- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA
Showing times and prices for Jul 16
Cheapest price
$140
Average price
$140
Fastest journey
19 h 2 m
Average duration
19 h 2 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
784 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Truckee, 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 Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Truckee, CA for San Diego, CA on Thu, Jul 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct trains cover the 784 km distance in an average of 19 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 19 h 2 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest trains will take 19 h 2 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.
6:33 PM19h02Truckee, CA1:35 PMSan Diego, CA$1401One-way0 transfers
- 6:33 PM19h02Truckee, CA1:35 PMSan Diego, CA$1401One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $120. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $120, and a flight costs an average of $123.
Distance: 487 miles (784 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$196 Average price | $125 Average price Cheapest | $197 Average price |
19h 32m Average total duration 19h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 55m Average total duration 14h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA is a bus with an average price of $125 (€103).
This is compared to other travel options from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $71 (€59) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $196 (€161).
A bus is $72 (€60) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $197 (€162).
The fastest way to travel from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 17m.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 25m.
Train takes on average 19h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Truckee, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Live departures
Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:33 PM Truckee, CA | 19h02 | 1:35 PM 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 Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA
USAUSA
Trains from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 19h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $133 (€109) but you can travel from only $120 (€99) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:25, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 487 miles (784 km) distance in 19h 2m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $120 (€99)
Distance 487 miles (784 km) |
Average train duration 19h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $133 (€109) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 19h 2m |
First train 8:25 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $120 (€99)
Complete guide to San Diego
Things to do in San Diego
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
- Must visit
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
- Must visit
Gaslamp Quarter
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
- Must visit
La Jolla Cove
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
Fish Taco
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
California Burrito
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
- Gluten-free
Sea Urchin (Uni)
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Sushi Ota
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Mitch's Seafood
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Juniper and Ivy
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
US Dollar ($)
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
FAQs: Trains from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Truckee, 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.
Train ticket prices from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $133 (€109), while the average price is around $196 (€161).
The train from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA takes 19h 2m and runs 3 per day.
The distance by train from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA is 487 miles (784 km).
The first train from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 8:25 AM.
The last train from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 10:10 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train station in Truckee, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Truckee Station, Truckee, CA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $120 (€99).
Yes, the train journey from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA is considered scenic as it offers diverse landscapes such as the Sierra Nevada mountains, lush forests, and picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel south through California.
A day trip from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 19h 2m. Trains operate with a frequency of 2 per day over a distance of 487 miles (784 km).
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.
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
No, you cannot take the train from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA.
Since neither Truckee, CA nor San Diego, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from San Diego, CA include Irvine, CA, Santa Ana, CA, Oceanside, CA, Orange, CA, San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Diego, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like beaches, public transportation, and popular tourist spots such as the Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town. Common scams include overpriced parking fees and unauthorized ticket sellers near attractions. Staying aware of surroundings, securing belongings, and using official transportation services help reduce risks. Additionally, travelers should avoid isolated areas at night and be mindful of local traffic laws when using scooters or bikes.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Truckee, CA
More options for your journey from Truckee, CA to San Diego, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from San Diego, CA and Truckee, CA
Most popular train connections to San Diego, CA
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