Santa Fe Station Santa Fe Depot
Historic Santa Fe Depot in San Diego, a beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival station serving Amtrak and local transit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Santa Fe Station Santa Fe Depot
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Santa Fe Depot in San Diego, a beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival station serving Amtrak and local transit.
"The staff are incredible. We had a pretty full train, but it was still so comfortable. Lots of space."
Book Amtrak Early! :ticket:
Secure your seats in advance to avoid overbooking and ensure a spot, especially for popular routes.
Parking Nearby :car:
Plan for off-site parking as on-site options may be limited or unavailable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Amtrak Train Ride to LA
San Diego to Los Angeles
Enjoy scenic views on a comfortable Amtrak journey from downtown San Diego to Los Angeles Union Station. A great alternative to driving.
Proximity to Petco Park
San Diego
Conveniently located just a mile from Petco Park, making it an ideal starting point for baseball game attendees.
Historic Train Station Ambiance
San Diego
Experience the charm of a historic train station, a beautiful spot for photos and a glimpse into transportation history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Amtrak Tickets in Advance
Consider Parking and Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Amtrak Early! :ticket:
Secure your seats in advance to avoid overbooking and ensure a spot, especially for popular routes.
Parking Nearby :car:
Plan for off-site parking as on-site options may be limited or unavailable.
Comfortable Ride :athletic_shoe:
The train offers ample legroom and comfortable seating, but be mindful of potential motion sickness. +1
Scenic Southbound Views :camera_with_flash:
For southbound journeys, sit on the right side for beautiful views of the river and mountains.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Amtrak Early! :ticket:
Secure your seats in advance to avoid overbooking and ensure a spot, especially for popular routes.
Parking Nearby :car:
Plan for off-site parking as on-site options may be limited or unavailable.
Comfortable Ride :athletic_shoe:
The train offers ample legroom and comfortable seating, but be mindful of potential motion sickness. +1
Scenic Southbound Views :camera_with_flash:
For southbound journeys, sit on the right side for beautiful views of the river and mountains.
Onboard Amenities :coffee:
Enjoy free WiFi, power outlets, and a cafe car for snacks and drinks during your journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for the Santa Fe Depot and associated Amtrak services are mixed. Many praise the comfortable train rides, friendly staff, and scenic routes, particularly the San Diego to Los Angeles line. However, some travelers have encountered issues with overbooking, inconsistent parking availability, and occasional train shaking.
"We love it here. The people make it a great place to visit. The interactions that we have had while here have been pleasantly surprising, and we are excited to come back again. It has surpassed my expectations, and we even found ourselves not wanting to go back home."
Amanda SueCyn Henne
"would not recommend. sent an email night before stating that they overbooked the train and seats would be first come first serve, got there an hour before time to ensure our seats. we got denied for a giant group of old people that already had travel busses that got there 10 minutes before time. conductor did not want to split up the group so they denied everyone else. very unprofessional and unprepared. no wonder they’re shutting down."
Melanie phillips
"HEADS UP! Be prepared to Pay For Parking SOMEWHERE ELSE! No signs to explain.
Also, the train shakes a bit throughout. Recommend being careful if you have Car Sickness tendencies.
Otherwise, large seats and comfortable ride. It's a good alternative to typical road trip."
Jerrod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Santa Fe Depot is located in downtown San Diego. It's easily accessible by car, taxi, rideshare, or public transportation like the MTS Trolley (Blue Line). Many visitors arrive via Amtrak trains from other cities.
Parking directly at the Santa Fe Depot can be limited or unavailable. Travelers often need to find paid parking in nearby garages or lots in the downtown area.
Yes, the Santa Fe Depot is a major Amtrak station and offers frequent train services to Los Angeles Union Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours.
The MTS Trolley (Blue Line) and Coaster commuter trains stop at or near the Santa Fe Depot, making it a convenient hub for local and regional travel.
Yes, the Santa Fe Depot is conveniently located about a mile from Petco Park, making it a great option for fans attending baseball games.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Amtrak tickets can be purchased online through the Amtrak website or app, or in person at the ticket counter at the Santa Fe Depot. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, Amtrak typically offers Coach and Business Class seating on routes from Santa Fe Depot, with Business Class providing more legroom and amenities.
In rare cases of overbooking, seating might become first-come, first-served. It's crucial to arrive early or book well in advance to secure your seat.
While not directly for train tickets, some programs might offer benefits that could indirectly assist with travel costs. It's best to check specific program details.
Operating hours for the ticket counter can vary. It's advisable to check the Amtrak website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🚆 Onsite Experience
The Santa Fe Depot offers waiting areas, restrooms, and ticket services. For Amtrak trains, amenities include free WiFi, power outlets, and a cafe car.
Amtrak stations are generally accessible. Travelers with disabilities should contact Amtrak in advance to arrange for any necessary assistance.
Yes, the Santa Fe Depot is a popular spot for photography due to its historic architecture and train activity.
The train ride offers comfortable seating, ample legroom, and scenic views. Some travelers note a slight shaking, so consider motion sickness precautions if needed. +1
While the depot itself may have limited food options, the Amtrak cafe car offers snacks and beverages during the journey. Nearby downtown San Diego has numerous dining choices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
⚾ Baseball Fans
Consider riding the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from the Santa Fe Depot to other Southern California destinations before or after the game. It's a comfortable and scenic way to travel, offering a break from driving and a chance to enjoy the coastal views. Remember to book your tickets in advance, especially on game days, to ensure you get a seat.
🚗 Road Trip Alternatives
Travelers can enjoy amenities like free WiFi and power outlets, making it easy to stay connected or catch up on work. The ample legroom and comfortable seating contribute to a pleasant journey, making it a viable option for longer distances or for those who simply prefer not to drive.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner Experience
When traveling southbound from Los Angeles to San Diego, passengers are advised to choose seats on the right side of the train for the best views of the coastline and picturesque landscapes, including the river near Paul's Valley and the Arbuckle Mountains. The journey itself is noted for its smooth ride, though some passengers mention a slight train shake, so those prone to motion sickness might want to take precautions.
Beyond the comfort and views, the staff on the Pacific Surfliner often receive commendations for their friendliness and helpfulness. The cafe car provides a convenient option for purchasing snacks and drinks, further enhancing the travel experience. For those heading to a San Diego Padres game, the depot's proximity to Petco Park makes it an exceptionally convenient departure and arrival point.
The Historic Santa Fe Depot
+1Visitors often find the depot to be a charming place to explore, even if they aren't catching a train. The station's design, with its ornate details and spacious waiting areas, evokes a sense of nostalgia and grandeur. It's a popular spot for photos, capturing the essence of classic train travel and the vibrant downtown San Diego scene.
+1The depot's strategic location in downtown San Diego also makes it a central point for accessing other attractions. Its proximity to the Gaslamp Quarter, waterfront, and Petco Park means that arriving or departing from the Santa Fe Depot can be the start or end of a well-rounded San Diego experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit