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Find train tickets from San Diego to Los Angeles

SAN — LAX
May 30 — Jun 61
1 adult
Fri 5/30
Fri 6/6

Top tips for finding San Diego to Los Angeles train tickets

  • When selecting a train ticket, think about your needs, whether it's spending less or traveling in comfort at an additional charge. For example, the coach class has standard amenities, such as ample legroom, fold-down tray tables, adjustable lighting, and comfortable seats with power outlets. However, you can also consider a business class experience for an additional charge of about $15 to enjoy other amenities like extra legroom, priority boarding, dedicated seats with service attendants, and complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Remember to bring your ID when traveling by train from San Diego to Los Angeles. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which serves this route, requires you to present an ID to a company representative to enter the train. However, you must have a government agency-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, as they may not accept any other form of identification, including college IDs.
  • Keep in mind the luggage restrictions for trains from San Diego to Los Angeles to avoid last-minute troubles when boarding your train. For instance, most Pacific Surfliner trains do not offer a checked baggage service (especially if both origin and destination stations do not offer the service), meaning that you'll have to follow the carry-on baggage policy. In this case, you may travel with two personal and two carry-on items of weights equal to or less than 25 pounds and 50 pounds, respectively.
  • Per KAYAK users, the common origin and arrival train stations for a trip from San Diego to Los Angeles are the Santa Fe Depot in San Diego and Los Angeles's Union Station. Both railway stations have convenient travel resources, including waiting rooms, vending machines, restrooms, and ATMs. In addition, disabled travelers can access wheelchairs, wheelchair lifts, and baggage assistance service from staff members. Union Station also features an elevator, payphones, and an accessible parking area.
  • The cheapest train from San Diego to Los Angeles was found 3 days before departure, on average.

FAQs when traveling from San Diego to Los Angeles by train

  • Can I carry my surfboard on a train from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    Yes, you can. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train allows travelers to take on surfboards and bikes, thanks to the presence of special racks that can hold such equipment. However, since there are limited storage spaces on board, you'll have to make a reservation for these items. Thankfully, there is no fee for storing your bicycle or surfboard, so you won't have to pay extra to ferry your equipment.

  • Are beverages or meals available on trains from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    If you don't have time to have a meal or snack before boarding, you'll be happy to know that your train from San Diego to Los Angeles has Café Service. The café car on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner is open to all travelers and serves snacks, meals, and deserts, along with premium beer and wine. Remember to carry cash or your credit card to purchase a meal when you get hungry.

  • Is there Wi-Fi on trains from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    Amtrak trains from San Diego to Los Angeles are likely to have Wi-Fi service onboard. However, note that you may lose connection when the train traverses through rural areas. It would be wise to download an entertainment feature such as a movie as soon as you board the train, and you shouldn't count on internet connectivity to binge-watch a TV show. The train’s Wi-Fi is usually best for chatting with friends, surfing the web, and emailing due to its low bandwidth capabilities.

  • Do I have to print my train ticket to board a train from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    No, you don't need a paper ticket. The Pacific Surfliner has no rule for ticket printing before boarding a train. Rather, the train carrier will send an eTicket to your email address upon making a train reservation. Therefore, ensure that your smartphone has power when you're boarding the train, as you can use it to show the ticket agent your reservation.

  • How long is a train journey to Los Angeles from San Diego?

    The train journey from San Diego to Los Angeles takes 2h 56m on average and covers a distance of 113 miles.

More options for your train ride to Los Angeles

Search Los Angeles trains on KAYAK. Find cheap train tickets to Los Angeles from San Diego. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap train fares and book the train that suits you best.