Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Baltimore

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from San Francisco to Baltimore. Travelling by train from San Francisco to Baltimore usually takes 3 days, 8 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 days, 5 hours and 51 minutes.

Distance: 2451 mi (3945 km)
Fastest train: 77h 51m
Lowest price: CHF 362.46
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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San Francisco to Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Baltimore.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 381.12	Avg. PriceCHF 234.39Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips6
Duration	Duration80h 28mFaster	Duration83h 27m

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

Amtrak tickets: CHF 250 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from San Francisco to Baltimore cost about CHF 383 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between San Francisco and Baltimore, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 163.21 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Baltimore will cost between CHF 263 and CHF 469. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Baltimore by month

Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Baltimore often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only CHF 313. If you're thinking of travelling from San Francisco to Baltimore during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 471 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from San Francisco to Baltimore on Wanderu at least 7 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 163.21 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from San Francisco to Baltimore?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Baltimore. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	80h 28m	CHF 381.12

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 3 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to Baltimore every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 249.71.

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

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to Baltimore, 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 3 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 Baltimore to San Francisco. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Baltimore for CHF 150.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between San Francisco and Baltimore is approximately 3,945 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 days, 8 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 days, 5 hours and 51 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)

2451

Distance (km)

3945

The earliest train departs San Francisco at 7:00 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 7:15 a.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

7:00am

Last train

7:15am

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

Busiest

Thursday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing “Good Morning, Baltimore” as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.

Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centred in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbour from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired “The Star Spangled Banner,” head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.

Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighbourhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous bus and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transportation, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Baltimore?

Main arrival station: Penn Station

Pennsylvania Station, commonly referred to as just Penn Station, is the main train station in Baltimore. Owned and operated by Amtrak, the station serves as a regional hub for all of the train carrier’s nine services that pass through Baltimore, including the Acela, the Northeast Regional, the Crescent, and the Palmetto. Conveniently located near Baltimore’s downtown and Inner Harbor, Penn Station is accessible from all parts of the city via several transit bus lines and two commuter rail services. The Johns Hopkins and Baltimore Collegetown shuttles also serve Penn Station, allowing students to travel easily between the train station and campus.

All train stations in Baltimore:

Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St
Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)

Need a return trip from Baltimore to San Francisco?

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