Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Rochester
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Francisco to Rochester. Travelling by train from San Francisco to Rochester usually takes 3 days and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 23 hours and 45 minutes.
- Distance
- 2356 mi (3792 km)
- Fastest train
- 71h 45m
- Lowest price
- $479.95
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Francisco to Rochester Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Rochester?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Rochester.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$643.19 | Avg. Price$354.23Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration72h 23mFaster | Duration79h 25m |

There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to Rochester:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Rochester?
In the last month, train tickets from San Francisco to Rochester cost about $480 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between San Francisco and Rochester, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $326.48 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Rochester by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Rochester will cost between $395 and $806. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Rochester by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Rochester 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 $352. If you're thinking of travelling from San Francisco to Rochester during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $646 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Francisco to Rochester on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about $326.48 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Francisco to Rochester?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Rochester. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 72h 23m | $643.19 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to Rochester every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $479.95.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Francisco to Rochester
While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to Rochester, 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.
Trains leave the station in San Francisco twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Rochester to San Francisco. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Rochester for $297.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Francisco and Rochester is approximately 3,792 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 days and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 23 hours and 45 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)
2356
Distance (km)
3792
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 Rochester are the most crowded on Friday. 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
Friday
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.
Rochester



Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.
Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.
The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louise M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.
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 Rochester?
Main arrival station: Louise M. Slaughter Station

Opened in 2017, the Louise M. Slaughter Station Rochester is nearly brand new. It serves three Amtrak train lines: the Lake Shore Limited, the Empire Service, and the Maple Leaf. The station was renamed Louise M. Slaughter Station in honour of U.S. Representative Louise M. Slaughter, who died in March 2018. This intermodal transit station is connected to the rest of the area via transit buses and taxis. Spread across 9,500 square feet, Louise M. Slaughter Station has a classic red brick design, with cast stone and granite used in various places. At the station, you will find an indoor waiting area with plenty of seats. There are also several vending machines, an ATM, and washroom facilities.
All train stations in Rochester:
- Louise M. Slaughter Station
Need a return trip from Rochester to San Francisco?
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