- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Extensive naval aviation museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier. Visit for flight decks, restored aircraft, and hands-on maritime history.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct
Cheapest price on 09 Oct
£30
Average ticket price on 09 Oct
£30
Fastest journey on 09 Oct
2 h 39 m
Average journey duration on 09 Oct
2 h 41 m
Trains on 09 Oct
22
Distance
180 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £30.
Fast trains
On Fri 09 Oct, we found 22 trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA, including 22 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 2 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
572 Pacific Surfliner11:102h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA13:52Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes- 770 Pacific Surfliner10:102h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA12:52Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes
- 584 Pacific Surfliner17:102h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA19:52Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes
- 774 Pacific Surfliner12:102h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA14:52Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes
- 782 Pacific Surfliner16:102h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA18:52Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes
- 562 Pacific Surfliner6:102h39Union Station, Los Angeles, CA8:49Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes
- 572 Pacific Surfliner11:102h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA13:52Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes
- 770 Pacific Surfliner10:102h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA12:52Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes
- 584 Pacific Surfliner17:102h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA19:52Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes
- 774 Pacific Surfliner12:102h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA14:52Old Town Station, San Diego, CA£301One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA
USAUSA
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 27 times per day, taking around 3h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
There are 25 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 180 km distance in 2h 38m.
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
Coach from £11
Distance 180 km |
Average train duration 3h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 27 |
Direct trains 25 |
Fastest train 2h 38m |
First train 3:50 |
Last train 22:10 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Coach from £11
Live departures
Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Thursday 8 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 562 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h54 | 9:04 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 562 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h39 | 8:49 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 564 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 10:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 564 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 9:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 566 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 11:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 566 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 10:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 15h13 | 1:04 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 change | |
| 14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 14h59 | 0:50 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 change | |
| 770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 13:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 12:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 572 Pacific Surfliner | 11:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 14:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 572 Pacific Surfliner | 11:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 13:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 774 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 15:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 774 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 14:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 580 Pacific Surfliner | 15:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 18:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 580 Pacific Surfliner | 15:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 17:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 782 Pacific Surfliner | 16:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 19:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 782 Pacific Surfliner | 16:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 18:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 584 Pacific Surfliner | 17:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 20:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 584 Pacific Surfliner | 17:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 19:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 786 Pacific Surfliner | 18:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 21:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 786 Pacific Surfliner | 18:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 20:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 588 Pacific Surfliner | 19:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 22:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 588 Pacific Surfliner | 19:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 21:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 790 Pacific Surfliner | 20:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 23:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 790 Pacific Surfliner | 20:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h41 | 22:51 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 794 Pacific Surfliner | 22:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h54 | 1:04 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 794 Pacific Surfliner | 22:10 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h40 | 0:50 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA?
The best time to book your train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA is 1 day before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA.
Trains
from £28Coaches
from £18Flights
from £109Train companies: Amtrak from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA from £11. 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 Amtrak Duration
2h 38m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£27
Amtrak frequency
28 a day
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
Complete guide to San Diego, CA
Things to do in San Diego, CA
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
- Recommended
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park art museum with Spanish old masters, Asian art, and sculpture. A strong choice for architecture and varied collections.
- Recommended
Museum of Us
Interactive Balboa Park museum exploring anthropology, culture, and race. Climb the tower for city views with a separate ticket.
- Must visit
Balboa Park
Large urban cultural park with gardens, museums, theatres, and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Ideal for walking and a full day out.
- Must visit
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Historic district with preserved 19th-century buildings, museums, and lively public spaces. Visit for local heritage and easy walking.
- Must visit
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Clifftop coastal reserve with trails, wild shoreline views, and sea caves nearby. A popular local spot for sunsets and walks.
California Burrito
A large flour tortilla stuffed with carne asada, chips, cheese, guacamole and salsa. It is a San Diego taqueria classic with strong border-city roots.
- Gluten-free
Carne Asada Fries
Fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream and salsa. This indulgent late-night favourite is strongly associated with San Diego taco shops.
Baja Fish Tacos
Beer-battered local white fish in tortillas with cabbage and crema. Baja-style fish tacos are a defining everyday food in San Diego’s coastal dining scene.
Oscar's Mexican Seafood
Casual seafood counter known for Baja-style fish tacos and fried seafood near the beach. Lively, unfussy and popular with locals and visitors.
Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop
Busy taqueria famous for carne asada fries, burritos and other San Diego taco-shop staples. Informal atmosphere and reliable late-night choice.
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy
Historic Little Italy restaurant serving hearty Italian-American classics, sandwiches and house specialities. Old-school atmosphere with strong local character.
US dollar ($)
San Diego is pricier than many US cities, with high hotel and dining costs, though tacos, casual eats and public transport can help keep daily spending manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual tacos.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- $80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for café drinks if table service or special prep is involved.
FAQs: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £35.
The train journey from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA covers a distance of 180 km and takes approximately 2h 38m. Trains run 27 per day.
The train distance from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA is 180 km.
The first train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50.
The last train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA departs at 22:10.
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA run approximately 27 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA. The service operates 25 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
There is no night train service from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train station in Los Angeles, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Union Station, Los Angeles, CA, and it arrives at Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
Booking trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA is considered scenic, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills, and charming coastal towns along the way.
Yes, you can take the train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA
Most Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Union Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Los Angeles
Arrival train stations in San Diego
Which Los Angeles, CA station do trains to San Diego, CA leave from?
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA leave from Union Station. The station is 1 km from Los Angeles, CA city centre at 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA.
Union Station800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA+1 213-683-6875
City-centre transport
Getting to Union Station from Los Angeles city centre
TrainSouthwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 57h 43m · £750
Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 60h 6m · £801
BusGreyhound US1210 · 59h 10m · £404
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Chatsworth Station10046 Old Depot Plaza Road, Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA+1 800-371-5465
City-centre transport
Getting to Chatsworth Station from Los Angeles city centre
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPacific Surfliner · 45m · £7
VC Line · 48m · £7
Bus419 · 1h 16m · £4
419 · 1h 27m · £4
Metro G Line · 1h 36m · £4 · every ~11 min
Chatsworth Station train station facilities and services
Chatsworth Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station7720 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91405, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Van Nuys, Metrolink Station from Los Angeles city centre
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPacific Surfliner · 30m · £5
VC Line · 31m · £6
Bus20 · 2h 30m · £4 · every ~8 min
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station train station facilities and services
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Which San Diego, CA station do trains from Los Angeles, CA arrive at?
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA most often arrive at Santa Fe Depot. Some services arrive at Old Town Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your San Diego, CA arrival station.
Santa Fe Depot1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Fe Depot from San Diego city centre
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus215, 225, 235, 910 · 5m · £4 · every ~22 min
TramBlue, Orange · 2m · every ~15 min
Santa Fe Depot train station facilities and services
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station4009 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
City-centre transport
Getting to Old Town Station from San Diego city centre
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCoaster · 7m · £5 · every ~2 min
Pacific Surfliner · 7m · £0.89 · every ~2 min
BusFlixBus 2017 · 15m · £0.89
83 · 26m · £4
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 9m · every ~18 min
Blue · 14m · every ~9 min
Old Town Station train station facilities and services
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Most popular train connections from Los Angeles, CA
More options for your journey from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA
Most popular train connections to San Diego, CA
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