Cheap train tickets from St Louis to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from St Louis to San Francisco. Travelling by train from St Louis to San Francisco usually takes 3 days, 1 hour and 31 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 23 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance: 1741 mi (2803 km)
Fastest train: 71h 20m
Lowest price: CHF 274.77
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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St Louis to San Francisco Train Schedule

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

Amtrak tickets: CHF 242 one-way

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

In the last month, train tickets from St Louis to San Francisco cost about CHF 294 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between St Louis and San Francisco, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 70.99 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from St Louis to San Francisco by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Louis to San Francisco will cost between CHF 241 and CHF 296. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from St Louis to San Francisco by month

Ticket prices for the train from St Louis to San Francisco 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 CHF 197. If you're thinking of travelling from St Louis to San Francisco during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 322 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 St Louis to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 70.99 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from St Louis to San Francisco?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	73h 31m	CHF 296.86

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 St Louis to San Francisco every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 242.19.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from St Louis to San Francisco

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

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between St Louis and San Francisco is approximately 2,803 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 days, 1 hour and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 23 hours and 20 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)

1741

Distance (km)

2803

The earliest train departs St Louis at 8:10 p.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 8:10 p.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

8:10pm

Last train

8:10pm

Trains from St Louis to San Francisco 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

St Louis

St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.

Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.

Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.

The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the centre of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in St Louis?

Main departure station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St - STLAMT-0

Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.

All train stations in St Louis:

Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Main arrival 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

Need a return trip from San Francisco to St Louis?

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