The Santa Fe Depot serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service, the MTS Trolley, and regional Coaster trains. This review is of the station facility and not any of the rail services. The Santa Fe Depot was built by the bygone railroad of that name. I'm old enough to remember the advertising slogan "Ship and travel Santa Fe--all the way!" This is one of relatively few major railway stations that have both been preserved largely in their original form, and continue to serve rail passengers. It is a beautiful Mission-style building from the early 20th Century, and will give you a feel for what rail travel was like in its heyday. Gorgeous tile work and some nice landscaping make this a great place to wait for a train. (Search "Santa Fe Depot (San Diego)" on Wikipedia for more on its history and architecture.) For Amtrak passengers, this is a staffed station with ticketing and checked baggage services. Amtrak staff are courteous and helpful. The waiting room is large and has plenty of old-style bench seating. There is a designated waiting area for seniors and people with disabilities needing assistance in boarding. There are restrooms, but Amtrak often has difficulty in keeping unhoused people from making a mess or using the facilities for things other than immediate relief. So at times, not everyone will find them comfortable to use. In addition to the Trolley, the Santa Fe Depot is also served by several MTS bus lines. There is a paid parking lot run by a third-party provider. No free parking nearby. There is a small kiosk--the Silver Streak Cafe--selling food and drink. See my separate review. read more

One of the greatest historical landmarks the city of San Diego the Santa Fe Train station was one that had the larger front when you xame to the station the many cars would park. For the many travelers that have cone to San Diego for the City of San Diego has had many years from the early yearz to the tine of World War 1 and 2. From the many areas of San Diwgo to ports of the Naval Bases the trains that came through the city the many stops that would include the trains which serviced areas of the city to the city of Oceanside. For the city of Lemon Grove was obe of the many train depots that you could take the train from the east to main train depot. The Santa Fe Train Station is obe ace that many people use the trolley and the coaster that can take you to the North County and City wide trolley trips. One of the largest train groups that have serviced the many years is the world class Amtrack. Santa Fe Train Depot is one that has had American Prsidents the train station has been the one that you can learn so much about. The arcgetecture of the building has many of the older areas the doors that lead to the second floor the train station is one of the historical landmarks the sounds of the passengers that passed through the doors to the parkked Model Ts and Chryslers. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer the many times that Ive taken the train and the trolley the travels on the trains are adventures to places of adventure to the citys of history . The Santa Fe Train Depot was one of the larger buildings that in the early years history of the building was where the first cars to the Presidential Trains that came to San Diego the many of the trains Prezident Theodore Rosevelt. read more

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The depot is a beautiful old historic building, and this station is very convenient to hotels and offices in the downtown area. The staff are not particularly friendly, but do their jobs efficiently One note if you are taking the 4 AM train north from the Santa Fe depot is that any checked luggage and needs to be checked in the day before. They do not check anything in in the morning if you are on that 4 AM departure. The Santa Fe depot is also located along light rail tracks, so the ground is very uneven around the station. I would keep this in mind as you are planning your travel. read more

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Have you recently been to the San Diego Amtrak Santa Fe Depot station? And Im talking about the Pacific Surfliner. What bothers me about this place is that they still keep all the doors wide open in this still cold winter weather, every time, every year, around this season in California. The reason they say is in case of a fire. That's fine, but at least have some HEAT in the building. But you know, we don't see that in many places, in numerous US cities, including LA. Yes, and all the San Diego restaurants do not still keep the doors wide open. Tell me how can you enjoy food when you're freezing? Why not we keep our home doors wide open too for an easy fire escape? Can you sit at the train station for hours when you're freezing. WITH ZERO HEAT. Could get sick pneumonia, respiratory infections, etc. ... One more thing. Amtrak boasts that they will give priority boarding in advance for business class passengers. Generally, I notice complacency. Never consistent. The train 777 has been sitting there for hours. Why not board business class passengers earlier? Than doing it just 10 minutes before, so that they can feel comfortable and WARM (finally)? read more

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My husband and I walked from the cruise port to this station to take the trolley home. It was simple to buy a senior discounted ticket. The platform is clear on the schedule and timing for next car. read more

Arrived 20 minutes before our train Parking: honestly didn't notice any in the front. Platform: clean and had signs to let people know where to go- business, coach. Will be taking the train again soon read more

Santa Fe Train Depot - Public Transportation Near Me - San Diego, California

Cool historic building in San Diego. This is the station closest to the waterfront, cruise port, or for the free airport shuttles. The trolley station itself can be a little smelly from the local homeless population. read more

The Santa Fe Train Depot is the origination of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route. Santa Fe Train Depot is also in the San Diego light rail system, the Trolley. That arrangement makes it great to "Go by Train!" The Depot website shows the hours the ticket window is open for questions and tickets. The Depot is a grand hall built in 1915 when passenger trains were run by private rail companies. It is adobe outside, with a tile roof, some beautiful tile details inside, modern and traditional seating. It was very clean and safe for an early first departure of the day. I walked about 6 blocks to it and that felt safe. The surrounding area is clean. The staff was organized and the announcements clear, thanks, staff! read more

Santa Fe Train Depot - Clean and calm - Public Transportation Near Me - San Diego, California

Took the Amtrak train to San Diego California for work because it's affordable and I didn't want to drive. On my time off I explored the Gaslamp district and had fun strolling by the water behind the San Diego Convention Center. Saw the amazing outdoor music venue, Rady Shell on Jacobs Park. Heading back home, I hopped on San Diego's above ground subway system that drops you off at the Sante Fe train depot. Very quaint old school train station amongst modern sky scrapers. Inside there are plenty of seats, people/families waiting for their trains to arrive and tellers behind large panes of glass helping guests either purchase tickets or answer questions. Outside of the building there is a buzz of commotion with television monitors letting you know what is arriving or departing. Then there's a line of people in the business lane and a general boarding lane. I was going to get in the general lane but I knew my train was leaving in 8 minutes. Thank goodness the train depot has employees outside helping answer questions. My train was boarding on the far track. Got on my destined train and sat upstairs and had the perfect view heading home! read more

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Good communication about a delayed Amtrak train. This is a pretty depot with a historic vibe. Located right by downtown for east access to San Diego shopping/dining adventures. read more

I love the train! Perfect way to get from Orange County to San Diego. Santa Fe Depot is located right in downtown San Diego; walkable to all the major hotels and anything that you would want to get to. There is seating inside. The restrooms have been out of order for a really long time (probably due to the massive amount of homeless in the area), which is slightly annoying. The first time I came here, it was a little difficult to figure out what was going on with boarding. (About 30 minutes before a train, you line up to board outside.) The stations I travel from in OC aren't as crowded, so you simply board a car... whereas here, you queue. There is a little cafe thing in station if you're feeling peckish; I haven't looked much at it, but did notice it this last time. Convenient station! 2024: 43/100 read more

Santa Fe Train Depot - Train track from Amtrak train - Public Transportation Near Me - San Diego, California

Amtrak employee "Jeffery" answered every single question with sarcasm. Every single one. Then laughed in my face. read more

Santa Fe Train Depot - Jefferey employee - Public Transportation Near Me - San Diego, California

In 2019 I took the Amtrak to LAX, only $40 one way, cheaper than any other options available at the time, I am sure the price has been increased now, but at the time it was the faster and more convenient way to commute especially somewhere like LA, you didn't have to get stuck in traffic while driving your own car, even with Greyhound bus I can't sit still and miss my flight. Santa Fe Depot always the place for me, the history, the food was expensive to buy and even more expensive now. Maybe one day I will buy tickets to get on the train again. read more

Santa Fe Train Depot - Public Transportation Near Me - San Diego, California

Simply a gorgeous building, never too crowded and well run. The staff is always very friendly as it never fails that I have to go to the counter to add my Amtrak rewards to my ticket. There is plenty of seating and they even have a small kiosk type of convenience store that sells magazines, phone chargers, and some basic food items. As I mention in my review for Amtrak, buy the business class ticket for the train and make a point of always starting at this station as you get first dibs on the seats, which doesn't happen if you step on at the Old Town Station. read more

not good for public services like bathroom and outlets, but has everything you need if you're traveling through this station.

Having visited San Diego very much ..the skyline was different ...compared to SF ..I googled buses from SD to SF and found Amtrak ..Amtrak is even cheaper than the bus company ..$65 to SF ...this train station is old fashioned from 1950s ..post war ..strange ..easy to use ..closes and opens at 3am ..waiting for 4am ..downtown San Diego read more

This has been my 2nd time riding in and out of this train station. It is very calm for a major transportation hub and easy to navigate in and out of. The only thing I do not care for is there is really no signage nor direction indicating which train is about to board (there is an electronic sign from the ceiling) but otherwise people line up and you just assume you are in the lane for the correct train (business class and coach). Once they open the gate they will guide you and indicate which cart to proceed to. The other thing I do not care for is the fact that you are boarding public transportation just like an airport; therefore, there should be security measures such as a metal detector to proceed through and there is not. Anyone can take illegal substances/weapons on board and you'd never know! Hopefully there is some type of "train marshall" on board incognito. read more

Went here during comic con from North county. Depot was clean and safe. Easy access since it's literally in downtown and next to the harbor. I'll have to use the train more often if I need to head downtown. read more

0nly a five minute walk from the Wyndam Bayside, our hotel in San Diego. We used the Coaster to travel to the Solana Beach Station for Breeders Cup at Delmar Racetrack. We took the Trolley to Old Town and Little Italy. Super convenient. 104 read more

A one-stop-station-spot, serving travel needs for Amtrak, Coaster Trains, San Diego Trolley and Metro system. The building is a San Diego landmark and registered on National Historic Places. There is a waiting lobby, a small shop and customer service booth inside. You can also purchase Amtrak tickets. read more

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We use the train every so often and we always depart from Santa Fe. It is quite a large station. It can be a little confusing for first timers. There is a ticketing section if you need to purchase tickets in person or have questions. You can also purchase tickets online. There are plenty of benches for seating while waiting for your train. There is also a stall where they sell food, snacks, drinks, etc. There are also restrooms available. Since most areas on the train are open seating and first come first serve, people will normally start lining up outside ahead of time. One thing they could improve at this station is their PA system. Sometimes it is difficult to hear what they are announcing. Maybe add more instructive monitors, as well. Help make it easier for riders to understand what is going on. Overall, it is a good location for people leaving or coming into San Diego. And, if you take the time to look around, the station is quite beautiful. read more

A small sad train station that is in need of revitalization and upkeep. I guess the architecture is original which is a thing but there was zero energy, nothing happening...just the bare bones of a station. A far cry from the urban oasis of the European stations I have grown accustomed to. read more

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Friendly and efficient counter person! Helped me locate my mother-in-law's luggage trapped in a train

I went here to take the coaster train from San Diego to Encinitas. Station was just fine. Friendly service from someone working here who helped me navigate the kiosk to get me a ticket. If you are staying in San DIego highly recommend taking a day to go to Sante Fe Train Depot to take the Coaster train up to Encinitas. Sit on the top of the train for best views of the Pacific Ocean en route. read more

Rail Safe Built in 1915 as part of Panama-California Exposition, this masterpiece of a building still stands today and continues to operate as a functional train station. Its Mission Revival architecture makes it appear more like a church than a train station; this place takes the "one of these things is not like the others" game to a whole new level. While we didn't actually use it for its intended purposes, we had a great time walking around in awe at the gorgeous colorful tiles and fantastic style. My only complaint is that they didn't have a gift shop to buy a magnet or something but otherwise definitely worth a stop if you're visiting the area and are even remotely interested in architecture. read more

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I would say it is horrible at this Santa Fe Amtrak train station ...I got to the train station around 11:40 midnight the doors were lock the guard told me that I I needed to wait outside until 4 am when the train arrives I had a thin jacket 10 min later a young mom with her 18 months baby girl had to wait outside without jacket or a blanket I ended up letting her borrow my thin jacket so she can cover the lil girl was crying do to the low temperature we waited outside there were so many twikers outside and other crazy men yelling we were afraid so we ended up staying together just to protected each other And the guard inside so careless about the cruel and dangerous situation Please do something about this situation before it happens again read more

For my 700th review, I want to write about one of my favorite railroad stations in America -- the Santa Fe Depot in San Diego.  Enter this train station and you've walked into a railroad gem and experience what it was like to travel by train over 100 years ago -- the Depot opened to welcome visitors to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.  Yes, gone are the steam locomotives.  In their place here are the Amtrak Surfliner trains, regional Coaster trains, San Diego Trolley, and San Diego Metro buses.  Pause and look up at the vaulted ceiling in the Waiting Room that you're sharing today with everyday people and celebrities of days gone by.  Take some time to walk around and take in the Depot's Mission Revival architecture. From a practical standpoint, the Depot's location at the western end of Broadway is ideal for visiting downtown San Diego.  It's walking distance to Seaport Village, the Gaslamp, the cruise ship terminal, USS Midway, Little Italy, government buildings, Petco Park, and more.  Or take the Trolley to the International Border. read more

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Conveniently located in downtown San Diego, there are many options to and from the train depot. It's close to the harbor and a short walk, trolley ride or Lyft to many San Diego hot spots! If you're departing, arrive early. There was a pretty long line when I arrived for my train ride north, but luckily I got business class and that line was much shorter! Even if you're not traveling anywhere, it'a a gorgeous station unlike many of the other small stops on the Surfliner and a neat photo op. read more

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I need to update my review on this train station. Over the past year I have become a regular traveling from San Diego to Santa Barbara using Amtrak. I purchase my tickets with the Amtrak app. and it is a breeze. The station is always clean and the employees are friendly and helpful. This train station is old not modern but I love it. They have a boarding system that works which is efficient and organized. The restroom are clean,basic and require a code to enter, which you can get from any employee. If you want coffee before you board their is a coffee shop available and they carry a few pastry item. If you purchase a business class ticket you are served a beverage and snacks on the train (not the early morning train). Beverages consist of wine, soda, juice, water. They also provide pastry's and coffee. The train are very clean, and they have plenty of restrooms and a cafe shop that offers a variety of beer, wine, cocktails and food items. 2022(24) read more

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This is an old fashioned train depot, so don't expect any of the modern amenities. The benches are hard wooden, so it's not a great place for spending a great deal of time. There is no restaurant or snack bar to buy a meal if you are waiting for a train, but there is a kiosk inside where you can buy snacks and drinks. The nice thing is that it is located right in the heart of downtown San Diego, so there are lots of places nearby and it is easy walking distance to many of the downtown hotels. read more

Santa Fe Train Depot - Public Transportation Near Me - San Diego, California

So you want to ride your bike and you are not willing to do the 100 miles... You are however willing to do a a little less instead. The gang wanted to ride from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego so we all decided to ride the train from downtown San Diego. We all found free parking around downtown and took our bikes the station and patiently waited for our ride. Santa Fe Train Depot is clean and relaxing and you can feast your eyes on building. It is not the biggest but it works and it is easily accessible by bus, trolley, and by bike. We purchased our tickets patiently waited for our ride. You can actually buy your grub if you are really hungry but this place is a great hub to get around San Diego by utilizing the trolley. It is a good starting point to your trip heading north! read more

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"aah aah" There's no place that feels better than San Diego. I came to this train station twice and it's very cool. It's the end of the line for the Pacific Surfliner and if you are lucky you can see out of service Metrolink trains trying to turn back to Oceanside. Not sure why they do that but it's kind of cool. This is the main transportation hub in all of San Diego county. Once you are here you can board three types of transportation. The San Diego Trolley has a station here and it is always busy . If you want to go in between the Coaster is here. I normally ride to old town so I can catch the bus to Seaworld. The tram station is only a hop and skip away. Amtrak ends here in San Diego and it's the southern most station in Cali. https://youtu.be/WNHZNc128OA read more

Such a pretty train station inside and out. We were bummed bcse none of the trains were running that weekend bcse of track repairs. Very kind customer service lady helped us with future travel plans. read more

Santa Fe Train Depot - Inside waiting hall - Public Transportation Near Me - San Diego, California

We rode the Coaster from Carlsbad to the Santa Fe Train Depot downtown enroute to a Padres game. After the game we returned to catch the train back to Carlsbad. The Depot itself is cool. It was built in 1887 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a San Diego Historic Landmark. They (whoever they are) have done an excellent job of retaining its 19th century Victorian charm. Santa Fe Depot is strategically located between Little Italy, the Gaslamp District, Portside Pier, the Midway and Seaport Village. It is a fairly leisurely walk to any of them. Walking: .4 miles to Portside Pier and the Midway Museum. .5 to Seaport Village, .9 to the convention center and 1.1 easy miles to Petco Park. If you don't car to walk, the trolley will take you downtown, to Petco Park and the convention center. Signage directing passengers on where to go and what is in which direction could be improved upon, but overall a pretty easy place to navigate. Be advised that the restrooms are for Amtrak ticketed passengers only. I was told this when I asked for the code to get in. The ticket agent was kind enough to give me the code after I assured him that I just had to pee. I wasn't going to vandalize the place. The bathroom was spotless - justifying their policy. read more

This is my first trip out of San Diego by myself I'm going to go see blind guardian on Sunday Saturday night I love the music but this place is nice it has a bathroom and people are really nice and fresh one very helpful it's right there on the blue line and the Orange line trolley in San Diego it's in the perfect location you can go from San Diego all the way down to Los Angeles California I highly recommend this one you want to go any place it's not very pricey depends how far and how much you want to spend. read more

Conveniently located in down town San Diego and not too far from the Padres stadium. This vintage station has a lot of charm and history and is great for taking pictures,since there are sweeping ceilings, tile, cool windows and chandeliers. It is easy to catch a ride down to Santa Fe Depot on the train from Oceanside or Carlsbad, it is the last Amtrak stop heading south from North County. It is located across the street from the American Plaza trolleys station, so you can ride the train down, then the trolley to other places and trolley back. Very convenient. The negatives are that there is a lot of people here, people who are not there to ride the trains, so they have security. They will not let you use the restroom without a train ticket. It is not sparkling clean, and you have to watch out for people panhandling, doing drugs, and other nefarious activities. If you are in downtown San diego and need to catch the train to go somewhere, this is the place. read more

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When I was growing up one of the things that was really a lot of fun was to ride the train. The coaster didn't exist and you could actually walk through the different cars and have the excitement of hanging on. The station is really a piece of art and it has become a hidden way with all the building that has been and is going on here in San Diego. Myself, son & grandson are seriously considering a ride up to San Luis Obispo. Although it is an 8 hour trip thank goodness for cell games. Looking forward to visiting for a couple of days and an area that none of us have ever been to. Enjoying the Museum's, galleries, fishing, shopping of course and great restaurants. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. read more

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this is not a safe train station == and amtrak personnel are rude and classist/ don't even bother buying your amtrak ticket there. security guards are crazy and will steal your belongings. they will also accuse you of trespassing when you are simply trying to use the bathroom prior to purchasing an amtrak ticket. they especially discriminate against people of color and older women! i have been an amrak customer since 1976-- and this is the first (and last) time my suitcase will be stolen by an amtrak security officer!! what a horrible way to run a train station, which, allegedly, is in a public historical building! read more

Workers at the train station and on the train are rude. I could go into a long story. But the bottom line is that they're rude.

I'm so delighted and amazed how smooth was boarding with Amtrak. I was affrighted since was first time boarding from San Diego to Lax(Los Angeles) but the staff and the captain made me feel I was riding first class. Guiding directions and answering all my questions. Hope I get to ride more destinations with Amtrak. read more