- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Cheapest price
$110
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
10 h 49 m
Average duration
10 h 59 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
693 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stockton, 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 Stockton, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $110.
It's difficult to get from Stockton, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner
714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner
714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stockton, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $71. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 430 miles (693 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$109 Average price | $270 Average price | $95 Average price Cheapest | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 17m Average total duration 9h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 0m Average total duration 10h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Stockton, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $14 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stockton, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $109 (€89).
A bus is $175 (€143) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Stockton, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $270 (€221).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 47m.
Bus takes on average 10h 30m.
Tickets start at around $109 (€89) compared to roughly $93 (€76) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-16.07 (€-13.15). The journey takes 9h 47m versus 6h 52m 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 Stockton, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 8:03 AM Robert J. Cabral Station, Stockton, CA | 10h49 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 8:03 AM Robert J. Cabral Station, Stockton, CA | 11h04 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 11:35 AM Robert J. Cabral Station, Stockton, CA | 11h16 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 11:35 AM Robert J. Cabral Station, Stockton, CA | 11h32 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3814 AMTRAK · 714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 1:35 PM Robert J. Cabral Station, Stockton, CA | 11h15 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3814 AMTRAK · 714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 1:35 PM Robert J. Cabral Station, Stockton, CA | 11h29 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 2:05 PM Stockton Station, Stockton, CA | 10h59 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Stockton, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 9h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $105 (€86) but you can travel from only $71 (€58) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 430 miles (693 km) distance in 10h 47m.
Distance 430 miles (693 km) |
Average train duration 9h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $105 (€86) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 10h 47m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Balboa Park art museum known for Spanish old masters, South Asian works, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark building.
Leading contemporary art museum with major postwar and current works, especially strong in Southern California and Pacific Rim artists.
Vast cultural park with gardens, museums, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, walking paths, and some of San Diego's best photo spots.
Scenic cove known for sea lions, clear water, coastal cliffs, and highly shareable sunset and ocean-view walks.
Wide sandy beach beside the Hotel del Coronado, popular for walking, photography, and classic Southern California scenery.
Beer-battered or grilled local fish in tortillas, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A signature coastal San Diego staple with strong Baja influence.
A San Diego original burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most iconic late-night and casual foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shop culture.
Popular waterfront seafood restaurant serving fresh local catch, fish tacos, and sandwiches in a relaxed harbor setting near the fishing fleet.
Historic, no-frills Mexican restaurant famous for house-made tortillas, rolled tacos, and comforting traditional plates. A beloved local institution with a classic atmosphere.
Iconic casual spot in Ocean Beach known for oversized burgers, fries, and a lively beach-town vibe. A long-standing San Diego favorite.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels, dining, and parking near the coast and downtown.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stockton, 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.

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