Last Updated on November 25, 2021 by Snezana Grcak
Traveling by train has many benefits—it helps you avoid traffic jams and reduces your expenses. Unlike most airport transfers, public transit has remained affordable, even after the pandemic started. So, it’s significantly cheaper than shuttles and taxis, especially for intercity trips. Discover how to get to San Diego Airport by train and which railroad service is the most suitable for you. Use our helpful tips and information to have a stress-free trip and hop on a train to San Diego Airport without any hassle!
Where Is the San Diego Airport Train Station?
San Diego Airport passengers who want to connect with Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner or the COASTER can do it at the Santa Fe Depot station. The station is located 3 miles from the terminals, at 1050 Kettner Blvd, and it’s served by multiple trains, trolleys, and bus lines. If you’re wondering how to get from San Diego Airport to the San Diego train station, the Metropolitan Transit System has the answer!Â
The MTS bus route 992 runs between 5:00 AM and 11:30 PM, and the ride between the terminals and the Santa Fe Depot takes up to 20 minutes. The bus from San Diego Airport to the train station departs every 15 to 30 minutes, and the one-way fare is $2.50. The Santa Fe Depot station has a marked bus shelter, which is easy to find and frequently serviced by the 992 route. At SAN, buses drop off passengers in front of each airport terminal building, and you can see the exact locations on the following map:
Amtrak Train to San Diego Airport
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner connects San Diego passengers with several counties on the coast of California: Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo County. This is the best service for travelers looking for a train from San Diego to Los Angeles or to San Diego Airport from Oceanside. There are 13 daily round trips between LA and San Diego and 5 trips to and from Santa Barbara.Â
Fares vary depending on your route, but you can use the website to plan your trip or book a ride. The approximate price for a journey between San Diego and Los Angeles is $35. Aside from the Amtrak website, you can also check out platforms like Wanderu to try to find a cheap train ticket. For more information on Amtrak in San Diego, call their Customer Service at 800-872-7245.
COASTER Trains
The COASTER trains operate year-round and provide reliable transfers between San Diego and Oceanside Transit Center. You may purchase the ticket at any ticket vending machine or online, and the prices vary based on the zones. Zone 1 comprises Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Solana Beach, Zone 2 includes Sorento Valley, and Zone 3 has two stops: Old Town and Santa Fe Depot stations. Depending on the number of zones you’re going through, discover your ticket price in the following list:
| COASTER Zones/Passes | One-Way Fare/Pass Price |
| 1 Zone | $5.00 |
| 2 Zones | $5.75 |
| 3 Zones | $6.50 |
| Regional Daily Pass | $15.00 |
Every day, over 20 trains run to and from the Santa Fe Depot station and allow you to reach any destination in about one hour or less.
Other San Diego Airport Transfers
If you’re not sure whether trains are the best choice for you, look into other options. The airport in San Diego is served by numerous transportation companies suitable for all routes and group sizes. The most painless way to find and compare all the transfers is through our San Diego Airport Shuttle guide, which offers information on each service. In addition to shuttle providers like Super Shuttle SAN, you can use it to learn more about taxis, rental cars, and buses. If you need a faster transfer from the downtown train station or any location within the city, consider requesting Uber to San Diego Airport.
FAQs
- How do you get from San Diego Airport to the train station?
MTS Route 992 runs between SAN and the Santa Fe Depot station every day starting at 5 AM.
- How far is San Diego Airport from the San Diego train station?
The station is located 3 miles from the airport, and the bus ride takes 15 to 20 minutes.
- How long does it take to get from the Oceanside train station to the San Diego station?
The train ride between the two stations takes approximately one hour.
- Where to get down the train from Carlsbad to San Diego Airport?
Take the COASTER train from Carlsbad to the Santa Fe Depot station, and then hop on an MTS bus to the airport.
Catch a Train to Any Major Airport
Shuttle Fare can help you get to or from any major airport in the country by providing up-to-date transportation information! You’ve discovered how to take a train to San Diego Airport, but we offer guides for numerous other airports and services. Go through the following list and click on any link to learn more about: