Find train tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego
Good to know
Cheapest day to travel | Friday |
|---|---|
Most expensive day to travel | Thursday |
Average price (round-trip) | $68 |
Average price (one-way) | $35 |
Top tips for finding Los Angeles to San Diego train tickets
- Plan your trip and avoid the crowds to get the best deal when traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Diego. You’ll find that Fridays and Sundays are generally the busiest travel days for the Pacific Surfliner route that connects the two cities. These peak travel days also tend to bring higher fares. If you have a flexible travel plan, consider riding mid-week when the trains are least crowded to get great train ticket deals.
- Union Station is the popular departure train station for trains from Los Angeles to San Diego. The station includes restrooms, an Amtrak Metropolitan lounge area, and payphones. Most trains on this route arrive at Santa Fe Depot in San Diego, which has an enclosed waiting area, restrooms, and vending machines.
- When packing for your train trip, make sure you know about luggage limits onboard. Most Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains from Los Angeles to San Diego do not offer checked baggage service, so you will have to carry your bags with you when boarding the train. You can take two personal items weighing 25 pounds or less and two carry-on bags up to 28x22x11 inches and 50 pounds.
- Consider which class you’d like to travel in before selecting a train ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego: unreserved coach or business class. Unreserved coach lets you ride on any train journeying from your origin to your destination; hence, you have the flexibility to hop on a train other than the one you selected if your travel plans change. When it comes to business class reservations, you’ll have guaranteed seating on the train you select.
- 25% of our users found round-trip train tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego for $69 or less.
- You will generally catch the best train deals if you travel in the morning.
- The cheapest train from Los Angeles to San Diego was found 22 days before departure, on average.
FAQs when traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego by train
How do I access the train station in Los Angeles?
The LA Metro Rail lines (including red, gold, and purple) and the silver metro busway line connect Union Station to various parts of Los Angeles. When coming from the airport, a paid shuttle service links the train station and the LAX Airport. Another option is the Metrolink commuter rail, which connects five counties in Southern California. Ensure that you get to this busy train station about 45min before departure to allow the necessary check-in procedures.
What kind of amenities are offered onboard a train from Los Angeles to San Diego?
An Amtrak train from Los Angeles to San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner route offers scenic ocean views of the Southern California seascape through the large picture windows. In addition, the train has restrooms, reclining seats, ample legroom, power outlets, enough room to carry a bike or surfboard, and a snack bar to purchase drinks and food. Travelers can also upgrade to business class for additional perks like extra legroom, dedicated service attendants, and complimentary drinks and light snacks.
Can I take a direct train from Los Angeles to San Diego?
Yes, you can find trains that travel directly from Los Angeles to San Diego without stops on the way. However, you may have to take a connecting shuttle or bus en route, so keep this in mind when booking a train, especially if you prefer speed and convenience. Routes with connecting vehicle services may take longer than their direct counterparts.
Are trains from Los Angeles to San Diego disability-friendly?
Yes, most Amtrak trains have accessible seats for mobility-impaired passengers. However, the spaces are often limited, so we recommend that you make a reservation and book your ticket as soon as possible. The train stations for this route also have low platforms and baggage assistance for those with disabilities. Other accessibility features you’ll find on this route include wheelchair ramps on the train and wheelchair lifts at both the Los Angeles and San Diego train stations.
How long is a train journey to San Diego from Los Angeles?
The train journey from Los Angeles to San Diego takes 2h 40m on average and covers a distance of 113 miles.
What train companies travel from Los Angeles to San Diego?
Amtrak is the only train operator serving this route.
How much does a train ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego cost?
The average price of a round-trip train ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego is $69. In the last 3 days, the lowest price found by KAYAK users was $70.