- Must visit
The Getty Center
Vast hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and impressive architecture overlooking the city.
Cheapest price
£29
Average price
£29
Fastest journey
2 h 47 m
Average duration
2 h 47 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
180 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £29.
Of the 26 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Los Angeles, CA every day 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 47 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.
769 Pacific Surfliner
593 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
591 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
593 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
591 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a flight costs an average of £107.
Distance: 180 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£29 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest | £289 Average Price |
3h 21m Average total duration 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.1kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 14:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 14:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
579 Pacific Surfliner | 13:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 15:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
579 Pacific Surfliner | 13:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 15:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 14:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 16:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 14:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 16:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 16:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 18:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 16:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 18:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 17:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3h03 | 20:04 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 17:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h54 | 20:04 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
591 Pacific Surfliner | 19:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 21:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
591 Pacific Surfliner | 19:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 21:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
593 Pacific Surfliner | 20:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 22:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
593 Pacific Surfliner | 20:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 22:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
595 Pacific Surfliner | 21:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 23:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
595 Pacific Surfliner | 21:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 23:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 26 August | |||||
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 6:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 6:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 8:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 8:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
567 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 9:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
567 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 9:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 10:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 10:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 10:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 12:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 12:57 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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 San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 23 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 23 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 47m.
Distance 180 km |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 23 |
Direct trains 23 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 3:50 |
Last train 22:10 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Vast hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and impressive architecture overlooking the city.
Major art museum on Wilshire Boulevard with global collections, special exhibitions, and the famous Urban Light installation outside.
Downtown contemporary art museum known for broad post-war collections, bold exhibitions, and free general admission.
Famous beachfront district with canals, skate culture, broad sands, and a lively promenade ideal for people-watching and walks.
Classic Santa Monica pier area with ocean views, amusements, beach paths, and an easy-going coastal atmosphere.
Large urban park with hiking trails, picnic grounds, viewpoints, and access to several of the city’s best-known attractions.
French dip sandwich with thin-sliced roast beef in a roll, served with meat jus for dipping. A classic Los Angeles lunch linked to the city’s early 20th-century diners.
Crisp hard-shell tacos filled with beef, lettuce and cheese. This Mexican-American staple became a defining everyday food across Los Angeles.
Smoked bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with peppers, onions, mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard. A famous late-night street food around Los Angeles venues.
Long-running Jewish deli famous for hot pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup and classic diner fare in a traditional setting.
Lively taqueria known for tacos al pastor sliced from the spit. Informal, fast-paced and deeply tied to Los Angeles taco culture.
Historic downtown deli famed for French dip sandwiches. Casual, bustling and ideal for a classic Los Angeles lunch.
Los Angeles is pricier than many US cities, with high hotel, dining and transport costs, especially in tourist areas and without a car.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if there is table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chatsworth Station. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
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 Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
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 options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need