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


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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:15 PM Santa Maria, CA | 8h49 | 6:04 AM San Diego, CA | 0 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.
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
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.
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
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
Most popular train connections from Santa Maria, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
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