Swap freeway traffic for coastal views and desert skies on a relaxed San Diego to Palm Springs train tour. This guide shows how to pair the Pacific Surfliner with a timed Amtrak Thruway coach for a seamless journey, plus where to stay and what to do on arrival. Whether you want a quick weekend or a longer retreat, you can bundle tickets, hotels, and experiences into an all-in-one San Diego to Palm Springs travel package that keeps planning simple.
Route at a glance
You’ll ride the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego (Santa Fe Depot or Old Town) to Fullerton, then connect to an Amtrak Thruway coach bound for Palm Springs. The Surfliner offers frequent daily departures between San Diego and Los Angeles County, making it easy to find a train that lines up with your connection. The Thruway leg takes roughly two hours and stops in Palm Springs Downtown and near the airport, which is far more convenient for a short trip than the infrequently served out-of-town rail platform. Total travel time typically lands around five to six hours, depending on your chosen train and road conditions. Book both segments on a single itinerary so your connection is protected and your seats are secured together.
Sample 2-day San Diego Palm Springs rail itinerary
Day 1: Board a late-morning Surfliner from San Diego to Fullerton and transfer to the Thruway coach for a mid-afternoon arrival in Palm Springs. Check in near Palm Canyon Drive, then explore boutiques, galleries, and mid-century landmarks on foot. Reserve dinner on a patio and enjoy warm evening air—most hotels keep pools open late, so you can end with a night swim.
Day 2: Start early at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for sweeping views and cool mountain trails. Back in town, rotate between vintage shopping and pool time, or book a spa session at a resort property. If you’re aiming for a weekend escape, catch the afternoon Thruway back to Fullerton and a Surfliner south to San Diego. Add a third day to include the Palm Springs Art Museum, golf, or a guided architecture tour without rushing.
Tickets, timing, and transfers
Plan backward from your desired Palm Springs arrival. Choose a Surfliner that reaches Fullerton 20–40 minutes before your Thruway departure to keep the transfer comfortable. Buying both legs together simplifies changes if weather or traffic affects the schedule. If you prefer a cushier ride, look for Business Class on the Surfliner for wider seats and a quieter car; standard Coach is perfectly comfortable for most travelers. Pack light: overhead shelves and luggage racks can handle weekend bags, and the Thruway bus will store larger suitcases under the coach. On arrival, rely on your hotel’s shuttle, short rideshares, or the local bus network to move between resorts, Downtown, and trailheads. For flight connections, note that the Thruway also serves the airport, giving you flexibility if you’re mixing modes.
What “all-inclusive” can cover
An effective package should combine transportation, lodging, and at least one signature experience. Common inclusions are Aerial Tramway tickets, spa credits, bike rentals, or museum passes. If pool time is a priority, choose a centrally located hotel with on-site dining; if golf leads the agenda, confirm course proximity and tee-time assistance. Foodies can add a walking tasting tour or a chef’s table reservation. Families might prioritize resort pools with cabanas and easy day trips to the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. Look for bundles that clearly spell out cancellation terms and allow minor time shifts—valuable if you want to ride an earlier Surfliner home after checkout. For travelers who like everything prepaid, consider Pacific Surfliner to Palm Springs bundles offered through rail-focused agencies or hotel partners that work with Amtrak connections.
Budgeting and value plays
Pricing varies by season. Winter brings peak demand and higher hotel rates; shoulder periods—late fall and early spring—often offer the best balance of sunshine and value. Lock in rail prices early for busy weekends and event weeks. Compare a build-your-own approach against packaged options: booking Coach fares midweek, pairing them with a boutique hotel, and pre-buying one marquee activity can undercut a fully loaded bundle while preserving flexibility. If you value convenience over nickel-and-diming, choose an San Diego to Palm Springs rail and bus combo that handles tickets and transfers automatically. For upgrades, target Business Class one way (often the longer segment) and spend savings on experiences that move the needle, like a spa treatment or a guided architecture tour.
Conclusion
This San Diego to Palm Springs train trip trades driving for scenic rails, an easy coach connection, and a walkable desert base. Pick smart transfer times, anchor your stay near Downtown, and prebook one marquee experience to shape the weekend. If you want zero-stress planning from start to finish, scan for Palm Springs train vacation deals that bundle the essentials and let you focus on the fun.