Cheap train tickets from Raleigh to San Francisco
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Raleigh to San Francisco. Travelling by train from Raleigh to San Francisco usually takes 3 days, 11 hours and 41 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 days, 11 hours and 28 minutes.
- Distance
- 2405 mi (3870 km)
- Fastest train
- 83h 28m
- Lowest price
- RON 1,997.58
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Raleigh to San Francisco Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Raleigh to San Francisco?
There are usually 5 daily coach trips from Raleigh to San Francisco.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 2,495.11 | Avg. PriceRON 1,364.23Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration83h 41m | Duration77h 40mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Raleigh to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Raleigh to San Francisco?
In the last month, train tickets from Raleigh to San Francisco cost about RON 1,998 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Raleigh 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 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 1,056.14 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Raleigh to San Francisco will cost between RON 1,653 and RON 2,088. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to San Francisco by month
Ticket prices for the train from Raleigh 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 RON 1,921. If you're thinking of travelling from Raleigh to San Francisco during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 2,667 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Raleigh to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 1,056.14 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Raleigh to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Raleigh 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 | 83h 41m | RON 2,495.12 |
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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets 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 Raleigh to San Francisco every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from RON 1,997.58.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Raleigh to San Francisco
While the train is the main method of transport from Raleigh 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 coach 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 hand 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 Raleigh. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Raleigh to San Francisco for RON 746.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between Raleigh and San Francisco is approximately 2,405 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 days, 11 hours and 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 days, 11 hours and 28 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
2405
Distance (km)
3870
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Raleigh at 9:17 and arrives in San Francisco around 83 hours later.
First train
9:17am
Last train
9:17am
Trains from Raleigh to San Francisco are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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
Wednesday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
Raleigh



As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travellers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.
Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.
Raleigh’s main coach station is located outside of the city centre at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.
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 holiday 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 coach, 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 Raleigh?
Main departure station: Union Station


The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.
All train stations in Raleigh:
- Union Station
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 coach station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway coaches, 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.
Train stations in San Francisco:
- San Francisco, California
Need a return trip from San Francisco to Raleigh?
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