The Best 5-Minute Train Ride in San Diego

If you’ve got 90 minutes and a toddler to entertain, here’s exactly where to go, what to expect, and why it’s worth it—even if you’re running on low sleep and zero patience.

The Story

THE $4.50 ADVENTURE

Some weekends require planning, packing, and snacks in five separate containers. This was not one of those weekends.

All we needed was sunshine, pastries, and a tiny train that loops through the trees.

We kicked things off in Spanish Village—where the tiles are brighter than the pastries. The boys tore into croissants while we sipped lattes in the sun. Two of them plopped down on the ground and got deep into a sticker book full of trucks and trains—very serious work.

By 11am, the little train opened and we made our move.

No stress. No tantrums. Just the kind of easy joy that sneaks up on you when you're not trying too hard.

Tickets in hand. Tiny hands in ours. They climbed aboard like it was the Disneyland Railroad.

The ride? Maybe five minutes. But in toddler time? Practically an expedition. There was a tunnel. Some wild animal statues. A breeze that made their hair dance and their faces light up.

My son Luca’s still talking about it. The elephant. The tunnel. How the train went so fast.

I thought we were just filling time. But to them it was everything.

It cost less than lunch. No one cried. And we were home before nap.

Not every weekend needs a plan. Sometimes all you need is a sticker book, a croissant, and a tiny train.

The Quick Guide

BALBOA PARK MINIATURE TRAIN

Location
The Balboa Park Miniature Train station is located at 1800 Zoo Place, San Diego, CA 92101, outside the San Diego Zoo's exit, nestled among the trees near the historic carousel.

Hours
Opens daily at 11am (weather permitting). First rides are usually calm and easy to catch. Crowds tend to build after noon on weekends.

Tickets
Tickets are priced at $4.50 per person for individuals aged 1 to 99. Children aged 5 and under must ride with a paying adult.

The Ride
A 5-minute loop that feels like an epic journey when you’re under 4. Expect a tunnel, playful animal statues (yes, there’s an elephant), and a breezy ride under the trees. It’s simple, sweet, and just the right amount of thrill.

Parking
Free parking is available in the large lot adjacent to the San Diego Zoo. It's a short, stroller-friendly walk to the train station from there.

Restrooms
Public restrooms are accessible near the Zoo entrance and at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, both just a few minutes' walk from the train station. There are no dedicated restrooms at the train itself.

Total Time
Plan for 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you linger. A great half-day reset.

More Info
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official website using the link below.

MINIATURE TRAIN AT BALBOA PARK →

A Final Note

LITTLE WEEKENDS RATING

★★★★★

Quick, easy, and toddler-approved. We’d go again—especially on slow mornings when no one wants to think too hard. 5/5 Stars.