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Seattle to San Francisco train

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Seattle - San Francisco Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Seattle to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Seattle to San Francisco usually takes around 24 hours, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 23 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance679 mi (1093 km)
Fastest train23h 30m
Lowest price$129.88
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Seattle to San Francisco

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Sara

August 2, 2021

Amtrak

The views along the way were incredible.

5.0

Amaury

August 5, 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: I met good people. Cons: The toilets could use an upgrade. Tips: No.

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

In the last month, $148.82 was the average price of a train ticket from Seattle to San Francisco. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 24 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $144.09 more than that for a same-day booking.

Monthly average prices

$237$189$142$95$47AMJJASONDJFM

Ticket prices for the train from Seattle to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in June when the average ticket price is only $134,

If you're thinking of traveling from Seattle to San Francisco during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $223 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from Seattle to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Seattle 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11d 0h 1m$217.50
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, 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 1 Amtrak trains from Seattle to San Francisco every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $130.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train is known for being scenic, especially through the Cascade Range at the Willamette Pass in Oregon. The route from Seattle to San Francisco also passes through forests and valleys en route to California.
Seattle is situated along the eastern coast of Elliott Bay, part of the Puget Sound that connects to the Pacific Ocean, so in a way, it’s right on the coast. From the actual Pacific coastline, though, Seattle is just under 100 miles away. It will take you more than 3 hours by car to reach that point, though, because Washington’s various interconnected waterways prevent a direct drive to the coast. Ocean Shores, Washington, while technically a farther coastal point, takes only 2 hours 30 minutes to reach by car.
Portland is 145 miles from Seattle by plane and 173 miles by car. Driving nonstop, it would take you just under 3 hours to get from Portland from Seattle.
While the train is the main method of transportation from Seattle 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.

The distance between Seattle and San Francisco is approximately 679 miles, or 1093 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 23 hours and 30 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.

Trains from Seattle 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 traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Seattle at 9:00am and arrives in San Francisco around 23 hours later.

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 Seattle.

City Information

Seattle

Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.

Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.

Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

Image credit: Unsplash

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 traveling 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 Seattle?

Seattle, WA - King Street Station - SEAAMT-0

Image credit: SounderBruce

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service and Greyhound bus service in Seattle, with connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, restrooms, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.

All train stations in Seattle:

  • King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Salesforce Plaza - SFOBLT-0

Image credit: 146109843@N05

Link to image attribution

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 travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.

Train stations in San Francisco:

  • San Francisco, California

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