Train San Diego, CA - Los Angeles, CA prices from $39.02

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$39.02

San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train

The journey from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train is 111.75 mi and takes 3 hr 25 min. There are 2 connections per day, with the first departure at 8:01 AM and the last at 9:10 PM. It is possible to travel from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train for as little as $39.02 or as much as $52.60. The best price for this journey is $39.02.

Lowest Price$39.02
Journey Duration3 hr 25 min
Connection per Day2
Lowest Price$39.02
Highest Price$52.60
First Departure8:01 AM
Last Departure9:10 PM
Distance111.75 mi
DepartureSan Diego, CA
ArrivalLos Angeles, CA
CarriersAmtrak

San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA Train Times

Departure date
Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024

Traveling from San Diego, CA, to Los Angeles, CA by Train

Amtrak operates the train service from San Diego to Los Angeles, primarily on the Pacific Surfliner Route. This route offers direct connections, but occasionally, parts of the journey might be substituted by a bus or shuttle from the Amtrak Thruway bus service due to unforeseen circumstances. The trip typically lasts around 3 hr 25 min, with approximately 2 trains departing daily. The average ticket price is $43.07, with the lowest fares starting at about $39.02.

The Pacific Surfliner train line, connecting Louis Obispo and San Diego, serves several stations, including Solana Beach, Oceanside, San Clemente Pier, San Juan Capistrano, Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Fullerton before reaching Los Angeles. The trains travel at an average speed of 41.2 miles per hour (66 km/h), reaching up to 90 miles per hour (145 km/h). Passengers can enjoy stunning South Californian scenery along the coast, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a Market Cafe offering snacks, beverages, and fresh food. The trains also accommodate pets up to 20 pounds and provide racks for surfboards or bicycles.

Train Stations in San Diego and Los Angeles

In San Diego, travelers can start their journey from two stations:

  1. Old Town Station: Located near the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Presidio Palace, this station is also a hub for the San Diego Trolley, local buses, and the Coaster commuter rail.
  2. Santa Fe Depot: The main train terminal of the city, built in a Spanish Colonial style, serves as a station for the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley and the COASTER commuter rail service.

The central station in Los Angeles is Union Station, which is in downtown Los Angeles. It's a hub for various transportation options, including Metro rail lines, Metrolink regional trains, and several bus routes. The FlyAway express bus service also connects to LAX from here.

What to see in Los Angeles

  1. Explore the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre.
  2. Visit the Getty Center to see impressive art collections and enjoy stunning city views.
  3. Experience the magic of Universal Studios Hollywood, a film studio and theme park.
  4. Relax at Santa Monica Pier and enjoy the beach, amusement park, and eateries.
  5. Discover the vibrant arts and culture in the Downtown Arts District.
  6. Stroll through Griffith Park and visit the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views.
  7. Shop and dine in the luxurious Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
  8. Explore the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for diverse art collections.
  9. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Venice Beach Boardwalk.
  10. Learn about space and science at the California Science Center.

What to Eat in Los Angeles

  1. Tacos: A staple in LA's food scene, reflecting the city's rich Mexican heritage.
  2. Avocado Toast: A popular and healthy option in many LA cafes.
  3. Korean BBQ: Savor delicious grilled meats in Koreatown.
  4. Poke Bowls: Fresh and flavorful Hawaiian-inspired seafood bowls.
  5. California Roll: LA's unique twist on sushi.
  6. Ramen: Enjoy diverse and savory ramen options throughout the city.
  7. French Dip Sandwich: An LA original, best enjoyed at Philippe's or Cole's.
  8. Green Juice: A refreshing choice for health-conscious Angelenos.
  9. Street Food: LA's street food, from bacon-wrapped hot dogs to fruit carts, is a must-try.
  10. In-N-Out Burger: Experience this iconic Californian burger chain.

Travel Tips for your Los Angeles Train Journey

  1. Plan Days Around Single Neighborhoods: Los Angeles is vast, and each neighborhood offers a unique experience. It's recommended to plan your days around specific neighborhoods, especially those close together, to maximize your experience and minimize time spent in traffic.
  2. Avoid Trying to Cover Too Much in One Day: Due to LA's size and traffic, jumping around the city in a single day is not practical. Plan your schedule to avoid spending too much time commuting between distant areas.
  3. Explore Nature: LA is surrounded by natural beauty. Plan a day for outdoor activities like hiking in the Angeles National Forest, visiting Antelope Valley for the California Poppies, or taking a surfing lesson.
  4. Use Public Transportation: While LA is known as a car city, it does have a public transit system. Public transportation can be cheaper, quicker, and less stressful than driving, especially considering traffic and parking challenges.
  5. Seek Out Local Food Experiences: LA's diverse population means many international cuisine options. Don't hesitate to try new foods from different cultures, and look for dining options in unassuming places, like strip malls, for hidden culinary gems.
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Compare prices and tickets from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Cheap train tickets from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Best time to book San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $30.88 to $53.02 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 42% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA

The cheapest San Diego, CA - Los Angeles, CA train tickets can be found for as low as $28.31 if you’re lucky, or $32.66 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $41.72.

Find the best day to travel to Los Angeles, CA by train

When travelling to Los Angeles, CA by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Compare services on board when travelling from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
12.59kg
Bus
13.49kg
Flight
35.97kg
Car
28.78kg
What are the CO2 emissions from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA are 12.59kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA? By taking the train between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA you will save 23.38kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 0.9kg compared to a bus and 16.19kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA?
A train ticket from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is $43.07. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $39.02.
What's the cheapest train ticket from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA?
The cheapest ticket you can get from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is $39.02. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA by train?
San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is 111.75 mi.
How long does the train between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA take?
San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is on average 3 hr 25 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 2 hr 47 min.
How many train connections per day go from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA?
San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA has 2 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA leave?
The earliest train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA departs at 8:01 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA depart?
The latest train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA departs at 9:10 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $39.02 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
From which stations can I leave from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA?
There are 3 station(s) that you can depart from San Diego, CA to go to Los Angeles, CA. You can go from Old Town Station, Santa Fe Depot and San Diego Balboa Park (Presidents Way) and you can arrive at Union Station and Los Angeles International Airport.
How many direct connections depart from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA?
There are on average 2 direct connection(s) from San Diego, CA to go to Los Angeles, CA.
What's the fastest journey time between San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train?
The fastest journey time by train between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA is 2 hr 47 min.
Is there a direct train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA?
Yes, there is a direct train between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA.
What are the CO2 emissions for San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train?
The train journey from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA creates 12.59kg of CO2 emissions.

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