If you opt to go Amtrak, its Pacific Surfliner is scheduled to leave the main San Diego station every couple hours in the afternoon on Thursdays (1:25. 3, 4, 5:50 and 8:20 p.m.). The address of the main SD station is 1050 Kettner Blvd, 92101. There’s another station in Old Town at 4005 Taylor Street, 92110 (trains from the OT station have departures of 4:07, 5:28 and 6:28 p.m.) It’s about a 2.5- to 3-hour trip up to Union Station in downtown L.A. Fare is $26. Discount for AAA members. Amtrak.com; 800/872-7245. Have a sfe trip however you travel.

I’ve done Amtrak from Union Station to San Diego several times. Will’s got it covered, but I’ll just add that it’s a worthy option. If you want to use your laptop on the train, there are power outlets at each seat. Plus one of the carriages is a cafe car.

i’ve taken the surfliner and it’s a blast. tons of cool stuff to see along the way.

Fourth in favor of the Amtrak (too late now I’m sure). Unfortunately, it’s too expensive to be a viable alternative every time. Expecially with two or more people in the car. Amtrak should offer a group discount to encourage non-carpooling. What with drive times to SD averaging 3 hours (in my experience), the train gives an added bonus of punctuality.