Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Indianapolis

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from San Francisco to Indianapolis. Travelling by train from San Francisco to Indianapolis usually takes 2 days, 13 hours and 49 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance
1945 mi (3130 km)
Fastest train
61h 49m
Lowest price
$521.12
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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San Francisco to Indianapolis Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Indianapolis?

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Indianapolis.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$616.12Avg. Price$358.26Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips4
Duration61h 49mDuration60h 59mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Indianapolis?

In the last month, train tickets from San Francisco to Indianapolis cost about $521 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between San Francisco and Indianapolis, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $248.68 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Indianapolis by month

$550$440$330$220$110JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Indianapolis often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $346. If you're thinking of travelling from San Francisco to Indianapolis during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $541 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$775$620$465$310$155

By booking your train trip from San Francisco to Indianapolis on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $248.68 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from San Francisco to Indianapolis?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Indianapolis. 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak161h 49m$616.12

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

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to Indianapolis, 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.

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. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Indianapolis for $214.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

0

The distance between San Francisco and Indianapolis is approximately 3,130 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 13 hours and 49 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.

Distance (mi)

1945

Distance (km)

3130

Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 7:00 a.m. and arrives in Indianapolis around 61 hours later.

First train

7:00am

Last train

7:00am

Trains from San Francisco to Indianapolis are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0San Francisco, CA - SFO-1San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

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.

Indianapolis

IND-0IND-1IND-2

Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.

Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Main departure station: San Francisco, California

Salesforce Plaza - SFOBLT-0

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

Where is the train station in Indianapolis?

Main arrival station: Indianapolis Union Station

Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Union Station (350 S Illinois St) - INDAMT-0

Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.

All train stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St

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