Vancouver to San Francisco train
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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Vancouver to San Francisco. The train trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is usually about 27 hours and 30 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 796 mi (1281 km) |
| Fastest train | 27h 30m |
| Lowest price | $215.79 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver to San Francisco?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Vancouver to San Francisco was $238.32. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Vancouver and San Francisco. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Francisco if you book your train tickets at least 21 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $89.08.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Vancouver to San Francisco. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 21 days before departure, you can save around $89.08. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Vancouver to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Vancouver to San Francisco. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 3h 31m | $260.07 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Vancouver to San Francisco every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $216.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Vancouver and San Francisco is approximately 796 miles, or 1281 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 27 hours and 30 minutes,
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Vancouver to San Francisco on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Vancouver at 5:00am and arrives in San Francisco around 27 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Francisco to Vancouver.
City Information
Vancouver
Vancouver is a trendy diverse city in British Columbia, known for its eclectic shopping, fresh seafood, and unique scenic setting between snow-capped mountains and urban beaches. Vancouver is sometimes called "Hollywood North" due to the amount of movies and TV shows filmed in the area. If you're lucky, you may even stumble upon a movie set as you're walking around town!
If you're looking for the best restaurants, shops and nightlife, cobblestoned Gastown is the perfect neighborhood to explore. Biking around the gorgeous Stanley Park in downtown Vancouver is rivaled only by hiking and skiing on nearby Grouse Mountain, which offers stunning views of the city on clear days.
Vancouver International Airport is conveniently close to downtown, and also one of the biggest gateways for international travel on the West Coast of North America. From Vancouver, it's easy to travel into the U.S. to Seattle by bus or train, or to other B.C. destinations like Kamloops and Kelowna to experience more of the province's natural beauty.
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.
If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.
Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Vancouver?
Image credit: ZhengZhou
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Pacific Central Station
The historic Pacific Central Station is Vancouver’s primary train station for Amtrak and VIA Rail service, as well as a bus station for numerous carriers. The impressive Beaux-Arts style station opened in 1919, and is within walking distance of Science World, Strathcona Park, and the lively Gastown neighborhood. Plus, walking just across the street from Pacific Central Station gives you access to Vancouver's SkyTrain public transit system at the Main Street–Science World station. With free WiFi, restrooms, and several restaurants and shops on the premises, Pacific Central Station is a convenient place to start or end your trip.
All train stations in Vancouver:
Pacific Central Station
Where is the train station in San Francisco?
Image credit: 146109843@N05
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: San Francisco, California
Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.
Train stations in San Francisco:
San Francisco, California
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Need a return trip from San Francisco to Vancouver?
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