The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$117
Fastest journey
12 h 50 m
Average duration
13 h 42 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
738 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner10:10 AM14h54San Francisco, CA1:04 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$851One-way1 transfer
6642 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK4:45 PM12h50San Francisco, CA5:35 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1131One-way2 transfers
6610 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 Pacific Surfliner7:30 AM13h37San Francisco, CA9:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1341One-way3 transfers
6612 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner9:40 AM13h27San Francisco, CA11:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1341One-way3 transfers
6642 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK4:45 PM12h50San Francisco, CA5:35 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1131One-way2 transfers
6612 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner9:40 AM13h27San Francisco, CA11:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1341One-way3 transfers
6610 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 Pacific Surfliner7:30 AM13h37San Francisco, CA9:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1341One-way3 transfers
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner10:10 AM14h54San Francisco, CA1:04 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$851One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 458 miles (738 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$99 Average price | $84 Average price Cheapest | $262 Average price |
13h 18m Average total duration 12h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 21m Average total duration 12h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | 2.2 - 4.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6610 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 Pacific Surfliner | 2:30 PM San Francisco, CA | 13h37 | 4:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
6612 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 4:40 PM San Francisco, CA | 13h27 | 6:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 5:10 PM San Francisco, CA | 14h54 | 8:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
6642 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK | 11:45 PM San Francisco, CA | 12h50 | 12:35 PM 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 prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight
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.
Apr 02
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Apr 07
Apr 08
How far in advance should I book train tickets from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA?
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 12h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $81 (€66) but you can travel from only $60 (€49) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 458 miles (738 km) distance in 11h 14m.
Distance 458 miles (738 km) |
Average train duration 12h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $81 (€66) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 11h 14m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak, Caltrain from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak, Caltrain trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA from $60 (€49). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Caltrain
FAQs: Trains from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
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