How much is the train ticket from San Marcos to San Diego?

The cheapest train tickets from San Marcos to San Diego start from $231. The average price for this train route is around $314. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from San Marcos to San Diego?

The average train ride duration from San Marcos to San Diego is 1d 15h, covering a distance of 1148 miles (1852 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 15h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the San Marcos to San Diego route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Marcos to San Diego?

The earliest train departs from San Marcos to San Diego at 7:33pm. And the latest train departs at 8:08pm.

Train San Marcos to San Diego from $231 | Refundable Tickets

Previously seen trips

Next departures for San Marcos to San Diego on January 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:33pm	San Marcos Station	1d 16h	9:50am	Old Town San Diego	No tags
Train	7:33pm	San Marcos Station	1d 16h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	7:33pm	San Marcos Station	1d 16h	9:50am	Old Town San Diego	No tags
Train	7:33pm	San Marcos Station	1d 16h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	7:33pm	San Marcos Station	1d 16h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Compare 2 ways to go from San Marcos to San Diego

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as the good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 1 day, 15 hours 56 minutes and with fares starting at just $231, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

1d 15hAverage Duration

1148 milesDistance

168kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$224 - $434	Average Duration1d 20h	CO₂ emissions 46kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$231 - $1,073	Average Duration1d 15h	CO₂ emissions 168kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,749 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5749 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $231

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from San Marcos, TX, US to San Diego, CA, US by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from San Marcos to San Diego?
The cheapest train tickets from San Marcos to San Diego start from $231. The average price for this train route is around $314. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from San Marcos to San Diego?
The average train ride duration from San Marcos to San Diego is 1d 15h, covering a distance of 1148 miles (1852 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 15h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the San Marcos to San Diego route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Marcos to San Diego?
The earliest train departs from San Marcos to San Diego at 7:33pm. And the latest train departs at 8:08pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

01/20

No data

01/21

$259

Today

No data

01/23

No data

01/24

No data

01/25

No data

01/26

No data

01/27

No data

The cheapest trip from San Marcos, TX, US to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on Jan 21, 2026 with a price of $259

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