San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Sat 19 Sept
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Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept

Cheapest price on 20 Sept

£18

Average ticket price on 20 Sept

£19

Fastest journey on 20 Sept

1 h 27 m

Average journey duration on 20 Sept

1 h 27 m

Trains on 20 Sept

2

Distance

99 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Juan Capistrano, 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 San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around £19 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.

Fast trains

On Sun 20 Sept, we found 2 trains from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 99 km distance in an average of 1 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 27 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 27 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.

  • Amtrak
    4:251h27
    San Juan Capistrano, CA
    5:52San Diego, CA
    £181One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    15:251h27
    San Juan Capistrano, CA
    16:52San Diego, CA
    £191One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 1h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £19, while a coach costs an average of £30.

Distance: 99 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£19

Average Price

Cheapest

£30

Average Price

£11

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 0m

Average total duration

1h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 7m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA is a train with an average price of £19.

This is compared to other travel options from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA:

A train is £11 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average £30.

The fastest way to travel from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA is by coach with an average journey time of 47m.

Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 1h 30m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Juan Capistrano, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £19 compared to roughly £11 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-8.27. The journey takes 1h 30m versus 1h 7m 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.

Live departures

San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak4:25 San Juan Capistrano, CA
1h27
5:52 San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak15:25 San Juan Capistrano, CA
1h27
16:52 San Diego, CA0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 23 times per day, taking around 1h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.

There are 23 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 99 km distance in 1h 27m.

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 £16
Distance
99 km
Average train duration
1h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
£19
Trains per day
23
Direct trains
23
Fastest train
1h 27m
First train
3:50
Last train
23:26
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Wed
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 £16

Train companies: Amtrak from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Juan Capistrano, CA and San Diego, CA from £16. 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
1h 27m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£19
Amtrak frequency
10 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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: San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Juan Capistrano, 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £19.
The train journey from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA covers a distance of 99 km and takes approximately 1h 27m. Trains run 23 per day.
The train distance from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA is 99 km.
The first train from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50.
The last train from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA departs at 23:26.
Trains from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA run approximately 23 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train between San Juan Capistrano, CA and San Diego, CA. The service operates 23 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train station in San Juan Capistrano, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is San Juan Capistrano Station, San Juan Capistrano, CA, and it arrives at Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
The cheapest way to get from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from San Juan Capistrano, 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.
Yes, the train journey from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego is scenic, offering picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, charming coastal towns, and beautiful landscapes along the route.
Yes, a day trip from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA is feasible with a travel time of 1h 27m and a distance of 99 km. Trains operate with a frequency of 20 per day.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and enjoy a harbour cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships. Hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation, and experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast. Discover Balboa Park with its museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, explore the USS Midway Museum, and take in the picturesque views at La Jolla Cove. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter and relax at Coronado Beach.
To fully explore San Diego, CA, and enjoy its main attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the beaches, a stay of three to five days is typically recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in San Juan Capistrano, CA and San Diego, CA

Most San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the San Juan Capistrano Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare San Juan Capistrano, 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 San Juan Capistrano
Arrival train stations in San Diego

Which San Juan Capistrano, CA station do trains to San Diego, CA leave from?

Trains from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA leave from San Juan Capistrano Station. The station is from San Juan Capistrano, CA city centre at 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA.
San Juan Capistrano Station26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA+1 800-872-7245LockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to San Juan Capistrano Station from San Juan Capistrano city centre

MetrolinkOrange County Line
AmtrakPacific Surfliner
BusOCTA routes available

San Juan Capistrano Station train station facilities and services

San Juan Capistrano Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cedar Creek Inn, El Adobe de Capistrano

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at San Juan Capistrano Station. Information desks are located in the main waiting area.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at San Juan Capistrano Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at San Juan Capistrano Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at San Juan Capistrano Station: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at San Juan Capistrano Station: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Best Western Capistrano Inn, Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection, Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano.

More options for your journey from San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA

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

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Diego, CA San Juan Capistrano, CA to San Diego, CA train

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