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Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Tacoma
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Francisco to Tacoma. Travelling by train from San Francisco to Tacoma usually takes 21 hours and 48 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
- Distance
- 655 mi (1054 km)
- Fastest train
- 21h 48m
- Lowest price
- $207.80
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Francisco to Tacoma Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Tacoma?
There is usually 1 daily bus trip available from San Francisco to Tacoma.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$247.88 | Avg. Price$243.13Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration21h 48mFaster | Duration35h 16m |
There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to Tacoma:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Tacoma?
In the last month, train tickets from San Francisco to Tacoma cost about $208 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. 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 $88.46 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Tacoma by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Tacoma will cost between $157 and $296. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Tacoma by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Tacoma often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $205. If you're thinking of travelling from San Francisco to Tacoma during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $279 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
By booking your train trip from San Francisco to Tacoma on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $88.46 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Francisco to Tacoma?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Tacoma. 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 | 21h 48m | $247.88 |
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 Tacoma every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from $207.80.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Francisco to Tacoma
While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to Tacoma, 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 Tacoma to San Francisco. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Tacoma for $163.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Francisco and Tacoma is approximately 1,054 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 48 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)
655
Distance (km)
1054
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 8:50 p.m. and arrives in Tacoma around 21 hours later.
First train
8:50pm
Last train
8:50pm
Trains from San Francisco to Tacoma 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
Tacoma
Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.
Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.
The main bus station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of the city.
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 Tacoma?
Main arrival station: 422 E. 25th St.
The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 422 E 25th St, near I-5 and close to the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome Station is served by Amtrak Cascades, which travels between Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Local Sound Transit's commuter rail station is next door. The bus terminal on Puyallup Ave is across the street from the train station complex for easy transfers to local or intercity buses. The station complex includes two parking garages and a customer service centre with washrooms and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass.
All train stations in Tacoma:
- 422 E. 25th St.
Need a return trip from Tacoma to San Francisco?
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