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Santa Fe Depot

Rail Station and Light Rail Station
Central San Diego, San Diego
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6.8/10
209
ratings
  • Tips
    Alex M.
    "Bring your own mifi, cause the amtrak free one is over subscribed"(10 Tips)
    Steve K.
    "Business class is so worth it!"(9 Tips)
    LA Strikers F.
    "Biz class is totally worth it."(2 Tips)
    Cathy B.
    "Free wifi and an outlet at every seat.Sweet."(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon75 Tips and reviews
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  • AskAboutTravel.com
    AskAboutTravel.comApril 29, 2013
    Did you know that on AMTRAK you can buy a California rail pass? What a great way to see the Golden State at a very low affordable price. Read more
    Upvoted Feb 2
  • Steve K.
    Steve KleineDecember 30, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Business class is so worth it! Sit on the left side to get a better view. They do leave on time so get there early!
  • Guillermo F.heart icon on user image
    Guillermo FloresJune 17, 2016
    Excelent spot. Nice station, functional, well connected. The place to go to plan a spontaneous trip. All shuttles from hotels and airports (tj and San Diego) can make stop here.
  • Clair C.
    Clair ClairOctober 7, 2012
    Always take business. Coach (cattle car) is too loud with people watching movies on laptops without headphones, children crying, and people on phones, and playing games on their phones on full blast.
  • Amy B.
    Amy BradyMarch 26, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Always take business class- it's well worth the extra $14 to not be a sardine. Pre-purchase your tickets online and use the ticket print station for fast boarding pass printing
  • Leeanne
    LeeanneSeptember 23, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    It's no Union Station but it's still a beauty if you ask me. Sit on the left, enjoy the view, bring an adult beverage if you're not enjoying one from business class.
  • Kevin W.heart icon on user image
    Kevin WilliamsSeptember 12, 2015
    One of the great SoCal historical monuments. So simple to just Board and go. Way better than the airport.
  • Nikki C.heart icon on user image
    Nikki CawleyDecember 2, 2019
    Lovely building. The little souvenir stand doesn’t have pins, but there is a little of everything else!
  • Tirzah A.
    Tirzah AlexanderOctober 29, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Coaster does not wait so get there early. Press j on right to pay with cash. They always check tickets, no ticket =$200 . Coaster ticket good on trolley sprinter and busses for 2 hours after purchase.
  • Jeffrey-Ryan B.heart icon on user image
    Jeffrey-Ryan B.October 21, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    This is the final stop for all Southbound Amtrak trains and the origin of all Northbound Amtrak trains, checked baggage service as well as a ticket counter available
  • Jeffrey-Ryan B.heart icon on user image
    Jeffrey-Ryan B.October 14, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    This is the start for all Northbound trains and the final stop for all Southbound trains... Business Class gets to board before Unreserved Coach and make sure your ticket says Business Class! xx
  • Aolani S.heart icon on user image
    Aolani SmytheOctober 30, 2013
    Beautiful day in a lovely train station !! All aboard!! Enjoying this work travel in finest city San Diego ~
  • JNET
    JNETNovember 28, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Always buy a ticket in advance during the holidays or comic con time. Get at station in enough to stand in line because the ticket kiosks are usually broken!
  • J B.heart icon on user image
    J BJanuary 28, 2018
    Ensure you arrive at least 40m before departure as the boarding process is complicated and strict! ❤️🤙🏻
  • Sebastian M.
    Sebastian MichaelisMarch 6, 2015
    Always arrive early. Never when the doors are closing and expect to board. Everyone is on a tight schedule and they wont hold the train for anyone.
  • Deborrah R.heart icon on user image
    Deborrah RayMarch 28, 2015
    Been here 25+ times
    Coaster tickets are eligible for some Amtrak train rides, check the schedule for a less expensive train ride with Amtrak comfort:)
  • Mikey P.
    Mikey PauterAugust 17, 2012
    Been here 50+ times
    If you take the San Diego Trolley here, arrive at least 2 listed trolley arrival times before your connecting departure as officials in San Diego don't believe in timed transfers between agencies.
  • Kate F.
    Kate FOctober 13, 2017
    Not warm welcome from baggage counter - bag was 0.15 lb over limit. "You'll have to pay for excess," said with a scowl. I open bag & take out book. "It'll still be excess." It wasn't but scowl stayed.
  • AprilMaria D.
    AprilMaria DonnellyJune 12, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Be sure to sit on left side of train heading northbound...window seat for awesome water views
  • DAN C.
    DAN COXJanuary 4, 2012
    Bring champagne! It makes the glorious views you're about to enjoy even more so!
  • JNET
    JNETDecember 28, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Beautiful station. The ticket kiosks are usually broken so make time to get in line. Free wifi on train but sometimes iffy. Happy it's working right now :)
  • Jen P.
    Jen PuligNovember 21, 2012
    This is one of my favorite train stations. It's never too crowded and there is always parking on the first floor.
  • Laura
    LauraFebruary 12, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    Get here on time. The amtrak departs exactly at the time it says!
  • Nelly T.heart icon on user image
    Nelly TejedaMay 1, 2017
    There's no signs or staff to let you know here to take the cbx shuttle but just wait near the benches outside the station before the corner of the street
  • Nanc D.
    Nanc DingmanSeptember 1, 2013
    Great seats and electric plugs for electronics..awesome.
  • eric b.heart icon on user image
    eric bornemannAugust 13, 2020
    Beautiful old Art Deco station, but the train to LA is always late... and slow.
  • Peter
    PeterOctober 4, 2018
    Been here 10+ times
    11take the Amtrak Thruway Bus 5811 to connect with weekday train 759 at Los Ángeles and San Joaquín Train 712 in Bakersfield.
  • Sheila E.
    Sheila EstradaJuly 26, 2019
    Been here 5+ times
    It’s great if you leave from SD lots of open seats!
  • Marcus P.
    Marcus PriceApril 4, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    If you ride a bicycle you dony have to wait in line. Set up next to coach boarding. They'll let you through first.
  • TourGuideTim -.
    TourGuideTim - Tim SchenckJuly 24, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    It's also a great location to catch AMTRAK, Trolley, Coaster Trains, and the start of my guided bus tour to La Jolla.
  • Mikey P.
    Mikey PauterOctober 30, 2012
    Been here 50+ times
    Amtrak does not open their gates for passengers traveling on the Coaster, give yourself a few extra minutes to walk around that building.
  • Ed S.
    Ed SoonMay 8, 2013
    If you're traveling to a main station like Fullerton or Union, you can check bags.
  • Christopher H.heart icon on user image
    Christopher HootenJune 13, 2012
    one of the best Amtak stations I have ever come across LUV this place
  • LA Strikers F.
    LA Strikers FCMarch 18, 2012
    Biz class is totally worth it. Free coffee in the am. Free wine in the pm.
  • Sebastian M.
    Sebastian MichaelisMarch 6, 2015
    For Michelle: The building is coming up on its 100 year birthday. There no wonder why there are not any working plugs. And second Amtrak does not own the building!
  • Tami R.
    Tami RicoFebruary 17, 2015
    Headed home! Lovely day in balboa park.
  • Chris M.
    Chris MMay 8, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Upgrade to biz class for $15 - includes wine, snacks, nuts, and better seats.
  • Chris P.
    Chris PickfordSeptember 20, 2012
    Been here 100+ times
    Just saw two cops completely ignore a guy who ran a red light and nearly nailed two pedestrians. Becareful crossing Kettner!
  • Matthew C.
    Matthew CoxJuly 26, 2014
    Located directly across the street from the cruise terminal.
  • TheMike P.
    TheMike PerezJanuary 5, 2013
    Sit on left hand side facing ocean, makes for a better view
  • Cathy B.
    Cathy BrophyFebruary 21, 2013
    Free wifi and an outlet at every seat.Sweet.
  • Keith H.
    Keith HaynesAugust 4, 2013
    Do not take a rickshaw! We went from here to the Hilton (1.3 miles) and the guy charged us $100. When I told the hotel about it they told me those guys aren't welcome on their property 4 that reason.
  • Valerie M.
    Valerie MichelleMarch 23, 2013
    Free wifi & outlets at every seat.
  • Emily C.
    Emily CJuly 20, 2012
    Fridays are a zoo! Upgrade to business class for your sanity!
  • Briton S.
    Briton SaxtonJuly 25, 2011
    Standing room only on the trains leaving from comic con, get a seat fast or you're SOL!
  • Nanc D.
    Nanc DingmanAugust 31, 2013
    Nice and cool on this hot day!
  • Neal R.heart icon on user image
    Neal RJuly 13, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Wifi now on these trains makes the trip even more productive
  • Trebla O.
    Trebla OsubaJuly 3, 2021
    Been here 5+ times
    Toilets are for Amtrak passengers only. It sucks trolley passengers aren’t allowed.
  • Nanc D.
    Nanc DingmanSeptember 1, 2013
    Great day on the Surfline train.
  • Alex M.
    Alex McCoolMarch 28, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Bring your own mifi, cause the amtrak free one is over subscribed
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