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

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 08

Cheapest price

$86

Average price

$86

Fastest journey

8 h 49 m

Average duration

8 h 49 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

392 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Maria, 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 Maria, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Maria, CA for San Diego, CA on Sat, Nov 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Nov 08 the direct trains cover the 392 km distance in an average of 8 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 49 m .

On Sat, Nov 08 the slowest trains will take 8 h 49 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
09:15PM8h49
Santa Maria, CA
06:04AMSan Diego, CA
$861One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €63. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €63, and a bus costs an average of €70.

Distance: 243 miles (392 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€69

Average price

Cheapest

€70

Average price

8h 32m

Average total duration

8h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:27 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak9:15 PM Santa Maria, CA
8h49
6:04 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 Maria, CA to San Diego, CA by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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.

Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13
Fri
Nov 14

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train
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
Distance
243 miles (392 km)
Average train duration
8h 2m
Cheapest ticket price
$77 (€63)
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
8h 24m
First train
04:01
Last train
16:48

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA start from as low as $77 (€63) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $85 (€69) depending on the train type and class.
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

Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Maria, CA and San Diego, CA from $77 (€63). 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
8h 24m
Cheapest Price
$77 (€63)
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

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

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, 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.
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.
The train from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA takes 8h 24m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA is 243 miles (392 km).
Train ticket prices from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $77 (€63), while the average price is around $85 (€69).
The last train from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:48 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA is by train, with a cost of around $77 (€63).
The first train from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:01 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA.
A day trip from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 8h 24m and the distance is 243 miles (392 km). The frequency of trains is 5 per day.
The train journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA offers scenic views of California's coastline, with sights of beaches, rolling hills, and picturesque towns along the Pacific Ocean, making it an enjoyable experience for travelers.

popular train stations

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

Santa Maria
San Diego
The major train station for departures in Santa Maria is Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant) for your trip from Santa Maria to San Diego.
Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant)
information

Most popular train connections from Santa Maria, CA

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

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