- Must visit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, located in the nearby Penn Quarter district.
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
2 h 56 m
Average duration
2 h 56 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
179 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 13 trains that leave Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA for Union Station, Los Angeles, CA on Sat, Jun 20, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 179 km distance in an average of 2 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 56 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.
765 Pacific Surfliner
581 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
587 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
581 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
579 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $128.
Distance: 111 miles (179 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $412 Average price | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 39m Average total duration 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 27m 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 Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA costing on average $40 (€33).
A bus is $377 (€309) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA costing on average $412 (€338).
Other travel options to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 9m.
Bus takes on average 3h 13m.
Tickets start at around $40 (€33) compared to roughly $10 (€8) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-30.38 (€-24.93). The journey takes 3h 9m versus 2h 27m 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 Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 6:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 8:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
567 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 9:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 10:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 10:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 12:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
579 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 3:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 4:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 6:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 5:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3h03 | 8:04 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
591 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 9:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
593 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 10:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
595 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 11:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€29) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 111 miles (179 km) distance in 2h 56m.
Distance 111 miles (179 km) |
Average train duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€29) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Union Station — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Union Station trip today.
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, located in the nearby Penn Quarter district.
Celebrated museum of portraits of influential Americans, sharing a historic building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
World-class art museum with masterworks from Europe and America, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
Historic neighborhood of row houses, political institutions, and leafy streets that is ideal for walking near Union Station.
Washington’s monumental park corridor lined with museums and memorials, essential for first-time visitors and long scenic walks.
Central district known for museums, theaters, and lively streets, popular with visitors exploring downtown on foot.
An All-Beef Hot Dog On A Poppy Seed Bun With Mustard, Relish, Onion, Tomato, Sport Peppers, Pickle, And Celery Salt. It Is A Classic Chicago Specialty.
Thin-Sliced Roast Beef Simmered In Jus And Served On A Roll, Often Dipped And Topped With Giardiniera Or Sweet Peppers. A Defining Chicago Sandwich.
A Thick, Pan-Baked Pizza With Layers Of Cheese, Toppings, And Chunky Tomato Sauce. It Is One Of Chicago's Most Famous Comfort Foods.
A Nationally Acclaimed Fine Dining Restaurant In The West Loop Offering A Refined Tasting Menu Experience.
A Celebrated West Loop Restaurant Known For Bold Small Plates, Creative Cooking, And A Lively Atmosphere.
A Historic Diner Near Union Station Known For Breakfast, Classic American Plates, And Old-School Chicago Hospitality.
Costs are moderate by major U.S. city standards. Fast food is affordable, but sit-down dining and station-area prices are higher.
Restaurants: tip 18-20% before tax for table service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Cafes: optional small tip. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 1-5 depending on service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, 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 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chatsworth Station. Use this guide to compare Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA and Union Station, Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Chatsworth Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need