Is there a train from San Diego to LAX?
Many travelers and California locals know about Amtrak’s SoCal train line, the Pacific Surfliner, for its breathtaking coastal views. If you’re planning on traveling by train from San Diego to Los Angeles, the Pacific Surfliner is your best bet for scenic rail travel. But while the ride offers great views at a fair cost, there’s a common misconception around Amtrak routes with getting from San Diego to LAX by train.
Are there direct transportation options between San Diego and LAX?
If you are looking to travel directly to & from LAX and San Diego, skip the train. reLAXsan provides travelers with an affordable, direct shuttle service between the two points. Learn more about reLAXsan’s San Diego to LAX shuttle.
Does the train go from San Diego to LAX?
No, Amtrak does not have a direct train from San Diego to LAX airport. While you can indeed book a direct train on Amtrak’s website from San Diego to LAX (worded as such), this is a bit misleading.
Amtrak does in fact have a train route from San Diego to Los Angeles, however this Amtrak route drops you off at Union Station in Los Angeles, not Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Located almost 20 miles east of the airport by car, Union Station is the closest Amtrak station to LAX.
Did you know? reLAXsan offers a direct shuttle from San Diego to LAX.
Read also: How do I get from San Diego to LAX?
How much does it cost to ride the train from San Diego to Los Angeles?
A one-way ticket on Amtrak from San Diego to LA starts at $35, and takes on average around 3 hours, 20 minutes by train from San Diego to LA (*price as advertised by Amtrak as of December 1, 2022, ** travel time varies based on stop, route time, peak days, traffic and more).
At its fastest time, we have seen the ride time advertised as quick as 2 hours and 47 minutes between San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot and LA’s Union Station.
From Union Station, Amtrak does not have a train to LAX, and Union Station is still a decent ways away from LAX (roughly 20 miles by car). There are a few options however for you to get from Union Station to LAX depending on how much time or money you can afford.
Conclusion
While there are options for getting to LAX from San Diego by way of Amtrak plus Union Station, this route requires two modes of ground transportation, added travel time and purchasing multiple tickets (not to mention unnecessary stress).
What's the best way to get to LAX from San Diego?
If you need to travel between LAX and San Diego, we recommend taking the reLAXsan shuttle bus for an easy and affordable way to travel to Los Angeles International Airport from San Diego. Tickets for the bus from San Diego to LAX cost just $68 each way. Book with reLAXsan for an easy and affordable, direct shuttle to and from LAX. Learn how reLAXsan can help make your travel day easier at https://gorelaxsan.com.