Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Philadelphia to San Francisco. Travelling by train from Philadelphia to San Francisco usually takes 3 days, 8 hours and 13 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance: 2517 mi (4050 km)
Fastest train: 80h 13m
Lowest price: CHF 469.36
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Philadelphia to San Francisco Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Philadelphia to San Francisco?

There is usually 1 daily bus trip available from Philadelphia to San Francisco.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 503.39	Avg. PriceCHF 301.69Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips1	Daily Trips1
Duration	Duration80h 13mFaster	Duration82h 21m

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

Amtrak tickets: CHF 469 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Philadelphia to San Francisco cost about CHF 469 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Philadelphia 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 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 6.68 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to San Francisco will cost between CHF 416 and CHF 538. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to San Francisco by month

Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to San Francisco 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 346. If you're thinking of travelling from Philadelphia to San Francisco during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 554 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 Philadelphia to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 6.68 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to San Francisco. 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	80h 13m	CHF 503.39

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

While the train is the main method of transportation from Philadelphia 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.

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 San Francisco to Philadelphia. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Philadelphia to San Francisco for CHF 189.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Philadelphia and San Francisco is approximately 4,050 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 days, 8 hours and 13 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)

2517

Distance (km)

4050

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Philadelphia at 12:32 p.m. and arrives in San Francisco around 80 hours later.

First train

12:32pm

Last train

12:32pm

Trains from Philadelphia to San Francisco 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Philadelphia

We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?

Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.

Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.

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 Philadelphia?

Main departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

There is one train station in Philadelphia.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

30th St Station - 2955 Market 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 Philadelphia?

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