- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$44
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$57
Fastest journey on Sep 15
3 h 54 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
3 h 58 m
Trains on Sep 15
7
Distance
226 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Clarita, 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 Clarita, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 7 trains from Santa Clarita, CA to San Diego, CA, including 6 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct trains cover the 226 km distance in an average of 3 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 54 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 1 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.
786 Pacific Surfliner
770 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
786 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
770 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Clarita, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $50 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 5h 25m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, while a flight costs an average of $660.
Distance: 140 miles (226 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$61 Average price | $50 Average price Cheapest | $660 Average price | $32 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration Fastest 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Clarita, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Clarita, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $61.
A bus is $610 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Clarita, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $660.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 55m.
Train takes on average 5h 24m.
Tickets start at around $61 compared to roughly $32 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.09. The journey takes 5h 24m versus 2h 43m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Santa Clarita, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:06 PM Santa Clarita, CA | 4h01 | 2:07 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:06 PM Santa Clarita, CA | 4h01 | 3:07 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 15 | |||||
770 Pacific Surfliner | 9:09 AM Van Nuys, Metrolink Station, Los Angeles, CA | 3h58 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 10:18 AM Van Nuys, Metrolink Station, Los Angeles, CA | 14h46 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 11:07 AM Van Nuys, Metrolink Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4h00 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Trains from Santa Clarita, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 but you can travel from only $25 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 21:17. The fastest train covers the 140 miles (226 km) distance in 3h 47m.
Distance 140 miles (226 km) |
Average train duration 5h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 47m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 9:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Clarita, 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.

Most Santa Clarita, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Van Nuys, Metrolink Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Santa Clarita, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Clarita, Newhall Metrolink Station is 1 km from Santa Clarita city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Clarita, Newhall Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Santa Clarita, Newhall Metrolink Station. ATMs are available at Santa Clarita, Newhall Metrolink Station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Clarita, Newhall Metrolink Station.
Available at Santa Clarita, Newhall Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Clarita, Newhall Metrolink Station: Fully accessible for disabled passengers.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need