Santa Fe's "San Diegan" (Train): Consist, Timetable, Route
Last revised: February 24, 2025
By: Adam Burns
The San Diegan was the Santa Fe's regional service connecting the Southern California coastal communities between Los Angeles and San Diego.
The train ran the famous Surf Line providing passengers with breathtaking views of the Pacific coast where the tracks in many cases lay right next to the beach!
A pair of Santa Fe PA-1s, led by #74L, have Train 77, a "San Diegan," at the railroad's beautiful station in San Diego in August, 1964. Rick Burn photo.Despite a trip requiring only a few hours, in usual Santa Fe panache the San Diegan was equipped with the best of services and carried swift running times.
It was never downgraded or cutback over the years although changes in motive power came from time to time.
While the Southern Pacific had the Los Angeles - San Francisco corridor locked up the Santa Fe was the best choice for rail travel through Southern California.
Today, the San Diegan's route is still in use by Amtrak, now known as the Pacific Surfliner, as the carrier stopped using the former name in 2000.
A pair of Santa Fe's venerable PA-1's have train #72, a southbound "San Diegan," nearing the summit of the Torrey Pines Grade at Miramar, California on the morning of June 27, 1964. Tom Gildersleeve photo.History
During the spring of 1936 the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe joined the ranks of streamlined status when it launched the all new Super Chief that May.
This legendary name spearheaded a long list of popular names soon launched by the railroad such as the rechristened Chief, all-coach El Capitan, Kansas Cityan/Chicagoan, and regional San Diegan.
In later years the timetable included such names as the Texas Chief and San Francisco Chief. In many ways the San Diegan never received the wide celebrity status of Southern Pacific's Daylights.
Perhaps that's because they were originally launched in 1937, a year prior to the Santa Fe inaugurating its regional service. Whatever the case the AT&SF spared no expense in making sure its version was just as luxurious.
Santa Fe F3A #21-L hustles a "San Diegan" southbound along the 'Surf Line' at Del Mar, California during the 1950s. American-Rails.com collection.The train officially launched on March 27, 1938 offering a pair of trains running daily including #70 and #78 southbound along with #71 and #79 northbound.
According to Bill Yenne's, "Santa Fe Chiefs," the AT&SF offered no fewer than six departures every day in each direction with running times over the 128-mile route requiring 2 hours, 45 minutes.
Timetable and Consist (1952)
Additionally, the trains were timed to coincide with passengers traveling to or from the Super Chief and Chief that both called at Los Angeles while commuters had amble opportunity to catch the San Diegan on business with trains running all day from breakfast until the evening hours.
The residents of California living anywhere between the Bay Area and San Diego during that era were afforded what was likely the best regional rail travel found anywhere in the country with Espee's Daylights and Santa Fe's San Deigans to choose from (this arguably still holds true even today).
A pair of Santa Fe PA-1s, led by #77L, are ready to depart San Diego with a regional "San Diegan" bound for Los Angeles in 1957. Mac Owen photo.When inaugurated the train used new stainless-steel cars from the Budd Company, a builder the Santa Fe often turned to over the years for its fleet of lightweight equipment.
The consist included primarily coaches, a mail/express car, and round-ended lounge-observations (for light snack and beverage service) complete with a San Diegan drumhead.
Santa Fe PA-1 #62-L arrives at the railroad's beautiful Mission Revival station in San Diego, California with a "San Diegan," circa 1965.During its early years steam power was fairly typical in the form of adept 3700-Class 4-8-4 Northerns. However, as diesels arrived in ever-increasing numbers Electro-Motive F3s and F7s (a combined fleet that numbered in the several hundred, not including the hundreds of FTs the road rostered) could regularly be found on the head-end.
Along with these locomotives Alco's beautiful PA model, of which the Santa Fe owned a few dozen, were also occasionally given San Diegan assignments.
Timetables (August, 1969)
Time/Arrive (Train #77) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:45 PM (Dp) | 0.0 | 6:55 PM (Ar) | |
| 8:07 PM | 11.7 | 6:30 PM | |
| 8:25 PM | 25.5 | 6:12 PM | |
| 8:30 PM | 28.2 | 6:05 PM | |
| - | 33.1 | 5:59 PM | |
| 8:45 PM | 36.0 | 5:54 PM | |
| 9:09 PM | 57.6 | 5:27 PM | |
| F 9:18 PM | 64.1 | 5:18 PM | |
| 9:42 PM | 86.4 | 4:57 PM | |
| F 9:54 PM | 98.1 | 4:39 PM | |
| 10:04 PM | 104.1 | 4:33 PM | |
| 10:40 PM (Ar) | 127.5 | 4:00 PM (Dp) |
Time/Arrive (Train #75) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM (Dp) | 0.0 | 2:25 PM (Ar) | |
| 11:22 AM | 11.7 | 2:00 PM | |
| 11:40 AM | 25.5 | 1:42 PM | |
| 11:45 AM | 28.2 | 1:35 PM | |
| 11:59 AM | 36.0 | 1:25 PM | |
| 12:17 PM | 57.6 | 12:57 PM | |
| 12:27 PM | 64.1 | 12:48 PM | |
| 12:55 PM | 86.4 | 12:27 PM | |
| - | 98.1 | 12:09 PM | |
| 1:19 PM | 104.1 | 12:03 PM | |
| 1:55 PM (Ar) | 127.5 | 11:30 AM (Dp) |
Time/Arrive (Train #73) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM (Dp) | 0.0 | 9:55 AM (Ar) | |
| 7:48 AM | 11.7 | 9:30 AM | |
| 8:05 AM | 25.5 | 9:12 AM | |
| 8:10 AM | 28.2 | 9:04 AM | |
| - | 33.1 | 8:57 AM | |
| 8:30 AM | 36.0 | 8:52 AM | |
| 8:48 AM | 57.6 | 8:27 AM | |
| F 8:59 AM | 64.1 | F 8:17 AM | |
| 9:25 AM | 86.4 | 7:55 AM | |
| - | 98.1 | F 7:37 AM | |
| 9:45 AM | 104.1 | 7:31 AM | |
| 10:25 AM (Ar) | 127.5 | 7:00 AM (Dp) |
Over the years the San Diegans saw slight name changes to their schedule. In 1940 they were renamed as #71/#75 northbound and #74/#76 southbound while other departures included #72/#78 southbound and #73/#77 northbound.
Santa Fe PA-1s, led by #76-L, have the "San Diegan" awaiting depature from the railroad's beautiful station in San Diego in June, 1964. Rick Burn photo.According to Patrick Dorin's book, "Santa Fe Passenger Trains In California: From the 1940s Thru Amtrak And More," by 1953 the AT&SF was dispatching four trains every day in each direction with southbound departures leaving Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal just after 8 AM through nearly Midnight while northbounds left the railroad's gorgeous station in San Diego from 7 AM through 8 PM.
Incredibly, even by the 1ate 1960s the Santa Fe was still dispatching three trains in each direction, a time in which California's regional services were nearly a thing of the past.
For instance, by then the Southern Pacific was simply wanting out of the business and its legendary Daylights were virtually extinct. Those famous trains may have endured in capturing our imagination throughout the years as some of the best regional trains ever launched but it was the Santa Fe's whose settings were the stuff of paintings.
A pair of Santa Fe PA-1's hustle a "San Diegan" down the 2% grade at Linda Vista, California along the Surf Line on July 4, 1964. Tom Gildersleeve photo.This was no more true than at San Diego where the depot, modeled in the Mission Revival style by architects Bakewell & Brown from San Francisco (which aimed to capture the Spanish heritage of the region), provided for breathtaking scenes of trains coming and going.
The station was one of the largest the railroad ever built at the time costing some $300,000 with a concourse spanning 650-feet long by 106-feet wide while the main waiting room was 170-feet long by 55-feet wide. It opened on March 8, 1915 its signature feature was twin domes emblazoned with the Santa Fe logo.
In addition, big palms swayed in the breeze along the front of the building. It truly spoke Southern California. Before commercial construction partially ruined the skyline around and behind the station it offered wide-open vistas of the surrounding landscape where one could watch Warbonnets arrive with the latest San Diegan.
More than once artists have captured such scenes in oil, perhaps none more famous than John Winfield's piece depicting an E1A and 4-8-4 awaiting their evening departures.
Recent Articles
-
B&O Railroad Museum Rebrands
Jul 15, 26 03:23 PM
The historic B&O Railroad Museum, long celebrated as a cornerstone of American railroad heritage, announced on July 14, 2026, that it is changing its name to the National Museum of Railroad History… -
Amtrak’s Empire Builder – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 15, 26 12:56 PM
Complete 2026 guide to Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Route overview, best scenic sections, schedules, what to expect, and tips for riding this iconic long-distance train through the northern United States. -
Washington ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 11:39 AM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 11:37 AM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Best THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides Across the United States 2026
Jul 15, 26 11:04 AM
Discover the best THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides in the US for 2026. Top locations, what to expect, dates, and tips for this magical holiday experience based on the beloved story. -
Indiana ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 09:20 AM
This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. -
Ohio ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 09:14 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Arizona ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 09:06 AM
Let's delve into the captivating world of Arizona's Wild West train adventures, currently offered at the popular Grand Canyon Railway. -
Michigan ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 08:49 AM
While the term 'wild west' often conjures up images of dusty plains and expansive deserts, Michigan offers its own unique take on this thrilling period of history. -
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 14, 26 02:24 PM
Complete 2026 guide to Amtrak’s Coast Starlight. Route highlights, best scenic sections, schedules, what to expect, and tips for riding one of America’s most beautiful long-distance trains. -
Best Steam-Powered Scenic Train Rides in the Eastern U.S. 2026
Jul 14, 26 01:21 PM
Discover the best steam-powered scenic train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026. From Cass Scenic Railroad Shays to Strasburg and other heritage steam operations — schedules, highlights, and tips. -
Indiana - Beer Tasting - Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 12:34 PM
On select dates, the French Lick Scenic Railway adds a social twist with its popular Beer Tasting Train—a 21+ evening built around craft pours, rail ambience, and views you can’t get from the highway. -
Wisconsin ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 12:10 PM
Through a unique blend of interactive entertainment and historical reverence, Wisconsin offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its Wild West train rides. -
Georgia ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 11:46 AM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West. -
Florida ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 11:34 AM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
Texas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 10:05 AM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New Mexico ~ Wine Tasting ~Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 09:26 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Tennessee ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 09:10 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
California ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 09:01 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
North Carolina ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:49 PM
North Carolina, a state known for its diverse landscapes ranging from serene beaches to majestic mountains, offers a unique blend of history and adventure through its Wild West train rides. -
Pennsylvania ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:45 PM
The Keystone State is home to a variety of historical attractions, but few experiences can rival the excitement and nostalgia of a Wild West train ride. -
New York ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:40 PM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
Michigan ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:35 PM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Illinois ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:32 PM
Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion. -
Vermont ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:28 PM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
The Flying Scotsman’s American Adventure: LNER 4472’s U.S. Tour
Jul 13, 26 12:02 PM
In the fall of 1969, a gleaming British steam locomotive unlike anything most Americans had ever seen rolled into Boston and spent the next four years touring the U.S. -
Amtrak's California Zephyr – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 12, 26 01:04 PM
Explore Amtrak’s California Zephyr, one of America’s most scenic long-distance train routes. Complete 2026 guide with highlights, best times to ride, what to expect, photography tips, and fall foliage… -
Alabama ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 12:25 PM
Although Alabama isn't the traditional setting for Wild West tales, the state provides its own flavor of historic rail adventures that draw enthusiasts year-round. -
Indiana ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 12:22 PM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
South Dakota ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 12:04 PM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
New Mexico ~ Murder Mystery ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 11:41 AM
Among Sky Railway's most theatrical offerings is “A Murder Mystery,” a 2–2.5 hour immersive production that drops passengers into a stylized whodunit on the rails. -
Michigan ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 11:36 AM
Among the lesser-known treasures of this state are the intriguing murder mystery dinner train rides—a perfect blend of suspense, dining, and scenic exploration. -
Best Christmas and Holiday Train Rides in the Eastern U.S. 2026
Jul 12, 26 11:05 AM
Discover the best Christmas and holiday train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026, including Polar Express experiences, Santa trains, and festive scenic journeys. Plan your magical rail adventure this… -
New York ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 09:53 AM
Join us as we explore wild west train rides in New York, bringing history to life and offering a memorable escape to another era. -
Ohio ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 09:38 AM
For those enamored with tales of the Old West, Ohio's railroad experiences offer a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. -
Western Pacific's 4-6-6-4 "Challengers" (M-100)
Jul 11, 26 11:29 PM
In the late 1930s, the Western Pacific stood at a crossroads. Traffic volumes were recovering from the Great Depression, and the railroad needed more powerful, faster locomotives to move longer freigh… -
Cass Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Trips 2026 – Complete Guide
Jul 11, 26 04:28 PM
Plan your 2026 fall foliage trip on the Cass Scenic Railroad. Complete guide to the Bald Knob route, schedules, what to expect, photography tips, and why this West Virginia steam train ride is one of… -
Best Fall Foliage Scenic Train Rides in the Eastern United States 2026
Jul 11, 26 03:16 PM
Discover the best fall foliage train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026. From steam-powered mountain climbs in West Virginia to scenic heritage railroads across the Appalachians and beyond — plan your… -
Missouri ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 11:27 AM
In Missouri, a state rich in history and natural beauty, you can experience the thrill of a bygone era through the scenic and immersive Wild West train rides. -
Indiana ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 11:17 AM
Indiana offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of the Wild West through its captivating train rides. -
North Carolina ~ Whiskey Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 11:05 AM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
West Virginia ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 10:45 AM
West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains. -
Utah ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 10:42 AM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
Virginia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 10:12 AM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Maryland ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 10:02 AM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
U.S. Rail Traffic Surges 8.7% in Holiday Week Ending July 4, 2026
Jul 10, 26 03:39 PM
Despite the Independence Day holiday (which fell on a Saturday), U.S. freight railroads delivered an impressive performance, posting an 8.7% year-over-year increase in total traffic -
APSL Nears Acquisition Of B&O Depot In Paw Paw, WV
Jul 10, 26 11:44 AM
After decades of quiet abandonment, a dedicated preservation effort by the Allegany Preservation Society Limited (APSL) is racing to secure its future— having already raised approximately 90 percent o… -
Minnesota ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 10, 26 10:05 AM
Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey. -
Georgia - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jul 10, 26 09:32 AM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Vermont ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 10, 26 09:29 AM
Known for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine tasting train rides.
