San Diego Amtrak Station (Santa Fe Depot)

The San Diego Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station is a central transportation hub in downtown, located at 1050 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101-3339, close to the waterfront and key attractions like Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter. The station serves Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, Coaster commuter trains, and local trolleys, with regular departures throughout the day. Passengers have access to waiting areas, restrooms, ticket services, and accessible platforms. So, this makes the Santa Fe Depot not just a transit point but a gateway to the best of San Diego’s urban and coastal attractions. So keep reading this guide to know routes, schedules, and more information about the San Diego Amtrak Station.

San Diego Amtrak Station Location and Contact Details

The Santa Fe Depot Station is located at 1050 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101-3339. If you are planning to travel by rail in the Amtrak San Diego Santa Fe Station area, it’s essential to know a few key details about the Amtrak station, from its location and contact information to the best ways to stay updated on schedules and services.

Key Amtrak Routes Available from San Diego

The main Amtrak route from San Diego is the Pacific Surfliner, which runs along the coast to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. For longer trips, you can connect in Los Angeles to other long-distance routes like the Southwest Chief to Chicago, the Sunset Limited to New Orleans, and the Coast Starlight to Seattle.

Pacific Surfliner

• Destinations: Connects San Diego with cities like Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
• Route Highlights: Offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and passes through Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
• Service: Runs daily with many trips, some going all the way to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo.

Long-distance Connection Routes

• Southwest Chief: Starts in Los Angeles and travels east to Chicago, stopping in cities like Flagstaff and Albuquerque.
• Sunset Limited: Starts in Los Angeles and goes east to New Orleans, stopping in places like Phoenix and Tucson.
• Coast Starlight: Starts in Los Angeles and goes north along the West Coast to Seattle, stopping in the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland.

Note: This makes it easy to start your train trip in San Diego, whether you want to explore California’s coast or travel across the country.

All Amtrak stations situated across the United States.

Train Arrival and Departure Schedule at San Diego Amtrak Station

The Amtrak San Diego Santa Fe Station, known as Santa Fe Depot, is a key stop along the Pacific Surfliner route that connects Southern California cities.

• Arrival Schedule: Trains from Los Angeles and other northern cities typically arrive at San Diego throughout the day, with notable arrivals around 10:01 AM, 12:50 PM, 3:28 PM, 5:50 PM, and 8:09 PM.​
• Departure Schedule: Northbound departures from San Diego to Los Angeles and beyond occur frequently, including key departure times at 8:01 AM, 10:10 AM, 4:10 PM, and 8:01 PM daily, making it convenient for travelers.​

Stay Updated on San Diego Amtrak Train Times:

• Visit the official Amtrak website or the Pacific Surfliner site to check the latest schedules and ticket availability.
• Use the Amtrak mobile app for real-time train status updates and easy ticket bookings on the go.
• Call the Santa Fe Depot station at 800-872-7245 for direct assistance and schedule information.
• Check live arrival and departure boards at the station when you arrive.
• Verify your train schedule the day before traveling to be aware of any changes or delays.
• Follow Pacific Surfliner alerts on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for updates on service changes.
• Plan for parking or local transportation, as station parking is limited.

Note: These steps will help ensure a smooth, informed travel experience through San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot.

Services and Facilities Available at Amtrak San Diego Santa Fe Station

The San Diego Amtrak Station offers a wide range of services and facilities to make your travel experience smooth and comfortable, from waiting areas to convenient amenities for both short and long stays.

• Staffed station: The Amtrak station downtown San Diego CA has staff available to assist passengers with ticketing, questions, or travel needs. Friendly and knowledgeable personnel help ensure a smooth travel experience.
• ATM available: There are ATMs at the station for passenger convenience, making it easy to withdraw cash before or after your trip. This feature helps travelers who need quick access to money.
• Amtrak ticketing kiosks available: Self-service kiosks allow passengers to buy or print tickets without waiting in line. This speeds up the transaction process for travelers on tight schedules.
• Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms are available for all passengers. These facilities provide comfort and convenience during wait times or travel breaks.
• Ticket sales office: A staffed ticket counter offers personalized service for purchasing or changing tickets. This service is especially helpful for travelers with complex itineraries or special requests.
• Unaccompanied child travel allowed: The station permits children to travel alone under Amtrak’s unaccompanied minor program. Staff provide additional assistance to ensure their safety throughout the journey.
• Vending machines: Refreshments and snacks can be purchased from vending machines inside the station. This offers a quick option for food or drinks without leaving the station.
• Checked baggage storage: Passengers can store checked bags safely during their travels. This service is useful for those who need temporary storage while exploring nearby areas.
• Accessible platform: The station includes ramps and level access for passengers with mobility challenges. Wheelchair users and others can board and disembark trains easily and safely.
• Accessible restrooms: Restrooms are designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities, featuring wider doors and support bars. This helps ensure comfort for all users.
• Wheelchair available: The station provides wheelchairs for passengers needing mobility assistance. Staff are available to help with wheelchair use throughout the station.
• Wheelchair lift available: To assist boarding, wheelchair lifts are available where needed. This equipment guarantees safe and accessible entry onto all trains serving the station.

Note: Whether you are catching a quick train or waiting for your departure, the Amtrak station downtown San Diego can ensure travelers have access to essential services and facilities, making it a hassle-free start or end to your journey. 

Parking options Available at Santa Fe Depot Station

Parking at the San Diego Amtrak Station (Santa Fe Depot) requires using nearby facilities since there is no dedicated parking on-site. Travelers often rely on several private garages and lots within walking distance, plus convenient valet and app-based reservation services.

Nearby parking options

• Emerald Plaza Garage: Located at 402 W. Broadway, just a short stroll from the station entrance.
• Columbia Garage: Found at 1098 Columbia Street, also very close to the depot for easy access.
• One America Plaza Garage: Situated at 1091 India Street, offering additional covered parking options nearby.
• 501 W. Broadway Garage: A few blocks away, providing another option for convenient parking.

Hotel parking services

• Hotel Republic: Valet parking is available at 421 W. B Street, ideal for travelers staying nearby.
• Wyndham San Diego Bayside: Offers uncovered self-parking about a half-mile from the station, suitable for longer stays.

Note: For ease and savings, apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz help locate, compare, and reserve parking spots in these garages and lots ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions