Santa Fe Depot

Looking Through the Arch to Downtown San Diego at the Santa Fe Depot

The Santa Fe Depot is very safe, and there are clearly posted directions to help you orient yourself as well as friendly staff members who can point you in the right direction should you get lost. The first thing you’ll notice upon arrival is the gorgeous layout and scenery. The station’s architecture features tiled domes and towers that make it a standout landmark that’s easy to find no matter the time of day.

Amenities at the depot include bag storage and assistance with bags from the staff, an ATM, restrooms, and vending machines. The station does not feature payphones, Wi-Fi, baggage carts, or a checked baggage service. There is no parking lot at the station. However there is a paid parking lot just across the railroad tracks.

It’s recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time to ensure you can comfortably find your train, Trolley, or seat on the Coaster. Luckily, navigating the depot is easy when you know what to look for.

There are six different tracks inside the Santa Fe Depot. If you’re looking for the trolley, head to the two tracks at the eastern side platform. Otherwise, you’ll want to go to the four remaining tracks at the island platform for railway access on the Coaster and Amtrak.

Ticket Booth at the Santa Fe Depot

You can purchase train tickets at the station from the conveniently-located kiosks or the ticket sales office.

Walking into the Waiting Area at the Santa Fe Depot

The Santa Fe Depot and San Diego as a whole have routinely gorgeous weather all year round, so you won’t have to worry about getting stuck out in the wind, rain, or snow while you’re waiting for a train. Still, many locals stand by the fact that the best time to visit is in the fall, when temperatures are perfect for just about any activity and you can really see the city come alive as you look out the window while traveling by train, bus, Trolley, or Coaster.

Since many locals use the depot to commute to work, it’s a good idea to avoid it during rush hour and in the early hours of the morning whenever possible. The work crowds can overwhelm the station’s resources and make riding a little more cramped, so it’s best to plan for another time if you can help it.

Due to its size and popularity, the station is somewhat crowded most of the time, but the crowds start to thin out in the evening hours as many tourists with young children settle in for the night. This is when you’ll find that the rail lines and trolley stops are least crowded, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy late-night activities like bar hopping and exploring the local San Diego area nightlife.

Womens Waiting Room at the Santa Fe Depot

Ticket prices can fluctuate depending on your chosen method of transport and your destination, as well as the current going rates. For the most accurate Amtrak pricing, it’s always best to check the official website to see the current cost of your planned path.

While these prices aren’t set in stone, public transport generally provides visitors with a much cheaper way to get into and around the city compared to taxis and rideshare services. They’re a great way to save, especially if you’re travelling in a large group or as a family and you’d prefer to spend your money on San Diego’s many fun attractions instead of just getting around town.

Speaking of attractions, San Diego is home to family-friendly attractions across the city and in the surrounding area that can easily be reached from the Santa Fe Depot. Consider the San Diego Zoo in beautiful Balboa Park, LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad for families traveling with young children or SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay for a neighborhood with gorgeous views.

All of these attractions can be visited at a steep discount to posted prices when you purchase a Go San Diego Pass in advance of your trip. The pass features a ‘bundle and save’ setup that can be combined with our exclusive partner promo code to save you and your family even more!

Waiting Room Entrance at the Santa Fe Depot

Travelling at the Santa Fe Depot can be a little intimidating for first-timers, but with these helpful tips, you’ll have no trouble getting around.

Hours of Operation

The Santa Fe Depot is open from 5:15 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. the following day, meaning the station is only closed for about four hours each evening in the overnight hours.

The Santa Fe Depot is open seven days a week, and these hours include the station waiting room, the kiosks, the ticket office, and passenger assistance.

Amtrak Guest Rewards

If you're planning to use the Amtrak train as a way of transportation, you can start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, hotels, car rentals and more.

Accessibility

While the Santa Fe Depot does not have an elevator, all methods of public transport can be accessed from the ground floor. Restrooms and water fountains are also accessible, and there is a wheelchair lift available.

Go Car Free

One of the most difficult things for tourists coming from different states or even countries is often learning how to get around a given city without a car. Luckily, the Santa Fe Depot helps to make San Diego one of the most walkable cities around.

With the wide variety of public transportation options available, you can feel totally confident leaving the car at home or at the hotel while still being able to traverse the many neighborhoods of the city without your own vehicle.

Snacks and Drinks are Allowed

Amtrak railways allow passengers to bring and consume their own food and beverages while on the train. Bring whatever you need to keep you and your family sated during the journey; just remember to be courteous and dispose of your trash properly after your ride.