Cheap train tickets from Modesto to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Modesto to San Francisco. Travelling by train from Modesto to San Francisco usually takes 2 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance: 78 mi (126 km)
Fastest train: 2h 40m
Lowest price: $39.07
Trains per day: 5
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Modesto to San Francisco Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Modesto to San Francisco:

Amtrak tickets: $39 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Modesto to San Francisco?

In the last month, train tickets from Modesto to San Francisco cost about $47 when booked at the cheapest time. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.

Average train ticket prices from Modesto to San Francisco by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Modesto to San Francisco will cost between $46 and $60. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Modesto to San Francisco by month

Taking the train from Modesto to San Francisco usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $45 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

The price of train trips from Modesto to San Francisco doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Modesto to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Modesto to San Francisco. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	5	2h 52m	$48.92

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 washroom, 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 5 Amtrak trains from Modesto to San Francisco every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $39.07.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Modesto to San Francisco

While the train is the main method of transportation from Modesto to San Francisco, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, 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 Modesto. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Modesto to San Francisco for $40.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Modesto and San Francisco is approximately 126 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 40 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Distance (mi)

Distance (km)

126

The earliest train departs Modesto at 8:35 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 9:46 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

8:35am

Last train

9:46pm

Trains from Modesto to San Francisco are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Modesto

Modesto is a city in Central Valley, California. The city is known for its large agricultural industry and number of museums. Modesto is home to museums, natural history sites, and planetariums, like the Great Valley Museum and McHenry Museum. It also has different amusement and recreational centres offering playgrounds, rides, go-cart, and more, like Funworks Modesto and Graceada Park. As for nature lovers, Modesto features places for sports, hiking, camping, fishing, and picnics, like Jacob Myers Park and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. The city is also a fun place for arts with the Graffiti Summer and the Gallo Center for the Arts.

The CA city is ideal for all craft beer and wine lovers, as it has several breweries and wineries to visit. Modesto also has a vibrant nightlife, with different nightclubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, and is always brimming with pool parties, trance festivals, DJ nights, and more. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant place for shopping, dining, and parties.

Modesto features several train and bus lines for those in and around the city. The city is easily accessible by Amtrak and Amtrak Gold Runner for trains, while Tufesa Plus offers bus services. The City of Modesto Transit Services powers the city's transportation.

San Francisco

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 travelling 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 Modesto?

Main departure station: 1700 Held Dr

There is one train station in Modesto.

All train stations in Modesto:

1700 Held Dr

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Main 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 travellers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.

All train stations in San Francisco:

San Francisco, California

Need a return trip from San Francisco to Modesto?

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