Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Detroit
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Francisco to Detroit. Travelling by train from San Francisco to Detroit usually takes 2 days, 14 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 13 hours and 55 minutes.
- Distance
- 2087 mi (3359 km)
- Fastest train
- 61h 55m
- Lowest price
- CHF 225.49
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Francisco to Detroit Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Detroit?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Detroit.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 304.41 | Avg. PriceCHF 224.92Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration62h 9mFaster | Duration69h 3m |

There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to Detroit:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Detroit?
In the last month, train tickets from San Francisco to Detroit cost about CHF 243 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between San Francisco and Detroit, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 241.78 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Detroit by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Detroit will cost between CHF 182 and CHF 388. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Detroit by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Detroit 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 244. If you're thinking of travelling from San Francisco to Detroit during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 370 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 Detroit on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 241.78 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Francisco to Detroit?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Detroit. 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 | 62h 9m | CHF 304.41 |
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 is 1 Amtrak train from San Francisco to Detroit every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 225.49.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Francisco to Detroit
While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to Detroit, 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. You can also take a train for your return trip from Detroit to San Francisco. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Detroit for CHF 114.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Francisco and Detroit is approximately 3,359 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 14 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 13 hours and 55 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)
2087
Distance (km)
3359
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 7:00 a.m. and arrives in Detroit around 61 hours later.
First train
7:00am
Last train
7:15am
Trains from San Francisco to Detroit are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Friday
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.
Detroit



Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travellers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favourite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travellers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
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 Detroit?
Main arrival station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travellers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean washrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighbourhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Need a return trip from Detroit to San Francisco?
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