Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Sun, Dec 21
+ Add return
Amtrak
Caltrain
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Caltrain
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 23

Cheapest price

$121

Average price

$132

Fastest journey

13 h 29 m

Average duration

13 h 42 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

676 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $121.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Clara, CA for San Diego, CA on Tue, Dec 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 23 the direct trains cover the 676 km distance in an average of 13 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 29 m .

On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest trains will take 13 h 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
01:10PM13h54
Santa Clara, CA
03:04AMSan Diego, CA
$1211One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
06:35PM13h29
Santa Clara, CA
08:04AMSan Diego, CA
$1421One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €76. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €76, and a flight costs an average of €70.

Distance: 420 miles (676 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€98

Average price

Cheapest

€156

Average price

€106

Average price

12h 52m

Average total duration

12h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 43m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

15h 26m

Average total duration

14h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:50 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak1:10 PM Santa Clara, CA
13h54
3:04 AM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak5:26 PM Santa Clara, CA
18h59
12:25 PM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak6:35 PM Santa Clara, CA
13h29
8:04 AM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29

Why should you book Santa Clara to San Diego trains with Omio?

Amtrak as well as Caltrain offer trains services from Santa Clara to San Diego. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Clara to San Diego.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of Caltrain to find the best option for your trip from Santa Clara to San Diego.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Clara to San Diego.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While Amtrak tickets can be bought on Amtrak's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Caltrain to help you choose the right option for your journey from Santa Clara to San Diego.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santa Clara to San Diego.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 12h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $95 (€76) but you can travel from only $83 (€66) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 420 miles (676 km) distance in 13h 54m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $83 (€66)
Distance
420 miles (676 km)
Average train duration
12h 22m
Cheapest ticket price
$95 (€76)
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
13h 54m
First train
03:50
Last train
23:45
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $83 (€66)

Train companies: Amtrak, Caltrain from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak, Caltrain trains will get you between Santa Clara, CA and San Diego, CA from $83 (€66). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 29m
Cheapest Price
$95 (€76)
Amtrak frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Caltrain

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 58m
Cheapest Price
$243 (€194)
Caltrain frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
The distance by train from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA is 420 miles (676 km).
There is no high speed train available from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA.
The first train from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50 AM.
The last train from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
A day trip from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 13h 54m and the distance is 420 miles (676 km). However, there are 5 trains available per day for this journey.
The train journey from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA is considered scenic as it offers views of the Pacific coastline, rolling hills, and various landscapes of Southern California. Passengers can enjoy glimpses of ocean vistas, picturesque towns, and diverse natural beauty along the route.
Train ticket prices from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $95 (€76), while the average price is around $122 (€98).
The cheapest way to get from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $83 (€66).
The train from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA takes 13h 54m and runs 5 per day.
The train station in Santa Clara, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA

Santa Clara
San Diego
The major train station for departures in Santa Clara is Great America Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Great America Station for your trip from Santa Clara to San Diego.
Great America StationAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km

More options for your journey from Santa Clara, CA to San Diego, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Diego, CASanta Clara, CA to San Diego, CA train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone