Train from Los Angeles to San Diego – LA to San Diego Train Tickets, Schedule, Prices & Duration

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego – Route Overview

The train from Los Angeles to San Diego is one of the busiest and most scenic rail routes in Southern California, running along the Pacific coastline. Covering approximately 111 miles (180 km), the fastest trains complete the journey in about 2 hours 39 minutes. With frequent daily departures and fully direct services, this route offers a reliable and comfortable alternative to driving between California’s two major coastal cities

Travelling by train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

Travelling on the LA to San Diego train is convenient, reliable, and comfortable. Most trains run direct between Los Angeles Union Station and San Diego Santa Fe Depot, with multiple departures daily. The average travel time is around 2 hours 40 minutes, though it may vary slightly depending on the service and number of stops. Passengers can enjoy spacious seating, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, and scenic oceanfront views, especially between San Clemente and Oceanside. With regular departures from early morning until late evening, the train provides a flexible travel option for both day trips and longer stays in San Diego.

Cheapest train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

Cheap train tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego are available when you book in advance and avoid peak travel hours. The lowest fares typically start from around $42, while the average ticket price is approximately $52 when purchased on the day of travel. Prices may vary depending on demand, booking time, and seat availability. Travelers looking to save money should consider booking midweek departures or early tickets, as last-minute fares are usually higher. Discount programs may also apply for seniors, students, military personnel, and children, helping reduce overall travel costs.

Fastest Train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

The fastest train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA takes approximately 2 hours 39 minutes, operated by the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Most trains on this route run direct, allowing passengers to travel without transfers. On average, the journey takes around 2 hours 40 minutes, making rail travel one of the quickest and most comfortable ways to travel between the two cities. With up to 25–30 trains per day, frequent service ensures flexible departure options. The combination of speed, comfort, and scenic coastal views makes the LA to San Diego train one of the best transportation choices in California.Overview: Train from Los Angeles to San Diego

Train Duration: How Long Is the Journey by train from Los Angeles to San Diego?

The train journey from Los Angeles to San Diego is known for its consistency, reliability, and scenic coastal segments. According to Omio, the fastest train on this route—typically the Pacific Surfliner—completes the journey in 2 hours and 38 minutes, making it one of the quickest ground travel options between the two cities. Wanderu confirms this figure and highlights that the Pacific Surfliner is the most frequent and time-efficient service, offering direct connections with no transfers.

Most trains, however, fall within the 2h 40m to 2h 54m range. This is the general travel time passengers can expect throughout the day, regardless of whether they depart in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Rome2Rio cites an average duration of 2h 54m, reflecting typical Pacific Surfliner schedules on regular days. Small variations in travel time occur depending on the train number, intermediate stops, and day-to-day operational patterns.

Competitor data also shows that a limited number of itineraries include connections—especially those combining Amtrak Coast Starlight with Pacific Surfliner services. These can take far longer, often exceeding 12–15 hours for a single journey. These slower trips are not the norm and are generally chosen only when regular direct trains are sold out or unavailable for a specific time slot.

Overall, the route offers one of the most predictable durations in Southern California rail travel, with consistent service intervals and minimal variation for direct journeys. Travelers seeking the quickest option should look for trains labeled with the 2h 38m runtime, typically listed in competitor timetables during morning or mid-morning departures. For those catching later trains, durations may extend slightly but remain well under 3 hours for nearly all direct services.

Los Angeles to San Diego Train Times & Sechdule

Train services from Los Angeles to San Diego operate consistently throughout the day, offering travelers a wide choice of departures from early morning until late evening. Competitor data from Rome2Rio and Omio shows that trains typically run every 1–2 hours, while Wanderu lists around 13–17 scheduled train trips, with additional service variations on weekends and holidays. Almost all trains on this route are direct Pacific Surfliner services, meaning passengers do not need to change trains. A few less frequent itineraries may involve a bus or Coast Starlight connection, which results in longer travel times.

The earliest departures usually fall between 03:50 AM and 06:10 AM, depending on the travel date and operator schedule. The last train of the day typically leaves Los Angeles between 10:10 PM and 11:40 PM, arriving in San Diego just before or slightly after midnight. Most direct trains take approximately 2h 40m – 2h 54m, while the fastest service, according to Omio and Wanderu, reaches San Diego in 2h 38m. Trains may arrive at Santa Fe Depot or Old Town San Diego Station, as the Pacific Surfliner serves both locations.

Below is a detailed sample timetable modeled exactly on the competitors’ styles, showing real representative departures, durations, and arrival stations as they present them. This format includes direct services, slight variations in travel time, and occasional connecting journeys when indicated by competitors.

Train Ticket Prices from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

Train ticket prices for the Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA train vary based on booking time, travel date, demand, and seat availability. In most cases, the lowest fares start from around $35–$38 when tickets are booked early, especially for midweek departures. On average, travelers typically pay between $40 and $55 for standard Pacific Surfliner tickets, while last-minute bookings or peak travel periods may increase fares significantly.

Recent fare trends show that the average cheapest ticket in the last 30 days was around $41–$44, with most low-price tickets falling in the $38–$46 range. Same-day bookings usually cost more, often ranging between $45 and $70, depending on seat demand and departure time. Premium or longer-distance connecting journeys may exceed $110, though these are less common for direct LA to San Diego trains.

Travelers can often save money by booking early, avoiding peak travel days, and choosing flexible midweek departures. Discounted fares may also be available for seniors, students, children, military personnel, and passengers with disabilities, helping reduce overall travel costs.

Train Companies from Los Angeles to San Diego

Train service between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA is operated by Amtrak, the primary passenger rail provider in the United States. On this route, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is the main and most frequent service, offering fast, direct, and scenic coastal travel between the two cities. With multiple departures daily, comfortable seating, and reliable travel times, Amtrak remains the preferred choice for passengers traveling on the Los Angeles to San Diego train route.

Most trains on this corridor run direct between Los Angeles Union Station and San Diego (Old Town / Santa Fe Depot), with journey times typically ranging from 2h 39m to 2h 54m. Ticket prices generally start from around $35–$39, depending on booking time and demand.

Train Stations from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

The main train stations for travel on the Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA train route are Los Angeles Union Station (primary departure) and San Diego Santa Fe Depot / Old Town Transit Center (main arrival stations). These stations are the busiest rail hubs in Southern California and offer strong connectivity, full passenger amenities, and easy access to local transit.

Most LA to San Diego trains operated by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner depart from Union Station and arrive at either Old Town Station or Santa Fe Depot, both located close to major attractions and transport connections.

Train vs Bus vs Flight: What’s the Best Way for Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA?

Traveling between Los Angeles and San Diego offers three main options: train, bus, and flight. Competitor platforms like Wanderu and Rome2Rio consistently highlight that the train is the most balanced option, offering speed, comfort, reliability, and consistent pricing. The Pacific Surfliner is also frequently described as the most scenic choice due to its long coastal stretch between San Clemente and Solana Beach.

Train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner)

The train is the most comfortable and predictable way to travel along the LA–San Diego corridor. The fastest services complete the journey in 2h 38m, with average durations around 2h 54m. All trains are direct, seating is spacious, and Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, and luggage racks are included at no extra cost. Wanderu and Omio both emphasize the consistent travel time and the fact that passengers avoid traffic delays. Trains also offer better legroom and more freedom to move around, making them excellent for work, leisure, and family travel.

Bus (Megabus, FlixBus, Greyhound)

Buses are typically the cheapest but slowest option, with travel times ranging from 3h 50m to 5h+ depending on traffic. Wanderu notes that bus travel often depends heavily on freeway conditions, particularly on I-5, which is prone to congestion around Orange County and North County San Diego. Seat comfort, luggage allowance, and onboard amenities vary by provider, and delays are more common than on trains. However, for travelers prioritizing the lowest possible price, bus services remain a popular budget alternative.

Flight (LAX to SAN)

Flying between Los Angeles and San Diego is rarely practical. The flight time is roughly 45 minutes, but total travel time—including check-in, TSA screening, boarding, taxiing, and airport transfers—usually exceeds 3 to 4 hours, making it slower than the train in most real-world scenarios. Rome2Rio and multiple competitor sites repeatedly highlight this inefficiency. In addition, airfares are typically higher, and passengers must factor in airport transportation costs. Flights only make sense for connecting itineraries, not point-to-point travel.

Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight

Compare daily train, bus, and flight prices from Los Angeles to San Diego over the next three weeks using the fare calendar. Train fares remain stable around $39–$40 with Amtrak, while FlixBus offers the cheapest tickets from about $21–$36 on most days. Flight prices vary widely depending on the date, ranging roughly from $137 to $494, with occasional lower fares on select days. Use the calendar to quickly spot the lowest daily price, compare all options at a glance, and choose the best ticket for your budget and travel schedule.

TrainFromTo Partner Reviews: Omio Ratings & Traveler Feedback