How much does a cheap train ticket from San Diego to Los Angeles cost?

The average train ticket price from San Diego to Los Angeles is $56. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Diego to Los Angeles is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from San Diego to Los Angeles?

A train trip between San Diego and Los Angeles is around 2h 56m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 42m. This is the time it takes to travel the 180 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between San Diego and Los Angeles?

The number of trains from San Diego to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 29. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Diego to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from San Diego to Los Angeles?

When taking the train from San Diego to Los Angeles, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train San Diego to Los Angeles from $51 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for San Diego to Los Angeles on November 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	12:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2h 47m	2:57pm	Union Station	CheapestFastest
Train	12:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	2:57pm	Union Station	No tags
Train	12:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	2:57pm	Union Station	No tags
Train	1:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	3:57pm	Union Station	No tags
Train	1:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	3:57pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Los Angeles on November 19
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 47m	6:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
Train	8:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 42m	10:52am	Union Station	Fastest
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	8:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Los Angeles on November 20
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 47m	6:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
Train	8:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 42m	10:52am	Union Station	Fastest
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	8:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Los Angeles on November 21
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 47m	6:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
Train	8:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 42m	10:52am	Union Station	Fastest
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	8:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Los Angeles on November 22
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 47m	6:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
Train	8:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 42m	10:52am	Union Station	Fastest
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	8:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Los Angeles on November 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 47m	6:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
Train	8:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 42m	10:52am	Union Station	Fastest
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	8:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Los Angeles on November 24
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 47m	6:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
Train	8:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 42m	10:52am	Union Station	Fastest
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	8:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Los Angeles on November 25
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 47m	6:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
Train	8:10am	Old Town San Diego	2h 42m	10:52am	Union Station	Fastest
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	6:57am	Union Station	No tags
Train	6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	2h 56m	8:57am	Union Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 7:53 PM PST.

Compare 3 ways to go from San Diego to Los Angeles

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Los Angeles. The journey takes about 2 hours 56 minutes, and with fares starting at just $54, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

29train per day

2h 56mAverage Duration

174 kmDistance

16kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$29 - $126	Average Duration4h	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$54 - $60	Average Duration2h 56m	CO₂ emissions 16kg CO₂e
Shuttle	Average Price$88 - $115	Average Duration2h 40m	CO₂ emissions 5kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,593 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Passengers have shared positive experiences with the service, highlighting its punctuality and cleanliness. Many appreciated the excellent customer service provided, which contributed to a comfortable journey. Additionally, travelers enjoyed discovering various stops along their route and felt reassured by the safety measures in place that ensured they reached their destinations without issues.

Amtrak San Diego Los Angeles recent customer reviews

The train was at a standstill for over an hour and then we went backwards to the closest station and were told to get off the train. I had to uber to the airport costing me $380 Australian dollars and I made check in by 14 minutes. Do not recommend this train at all

Bronte D.

July 7, 2025

The train was not on schedule, we to continue our journey by bus from oceanside ang I got to LA 35 minutes late

Sasan N.

May 8, 2023

Was confused but Amtrak made it safe and secure for me to make sure I was going to the right place! Minimal tardy but not a problem at all

Ruth V.

March 18, 2022

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Diego, CA, US to Los Angeles, US by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from San Diego to Los Angeles cost?
The average train ticket price from San Diego to Los Angeles is $56. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Diego to Los Angeles is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from San Diego to Los Angeles?
A train trip between San Diego and Los Angeles is around 2h 56m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 42m. This is the time it takes to travel the 180 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between San Diego and Los Angeles?
The number of trains from San Diego to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 29. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Diego to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from San Diego to Los Angeles?
When taking the train from San Diego to Los Angeles, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11-16

$51

11-17

$51

Today

$51

11-19

$51

11-20

$51

11-21

$51

11-22

$51

11-23

$51

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Los Angeles, US was searched and found on Nov 16, 2025 with a price of $51

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Diego, CA, US to Los Angeles, US, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $51 to $94 for a train ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Los Angeles, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $51 which is on 2025-11-19.