Cheap train tickets from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA. Travelling by train from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA usually takes 2 days, 21 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 21 hours and 16 minutes.
- Distance
- 2356 mi (3792 km)
- Fastest train
- 69h 16m
- Lowest price
- £273.50
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA?
There are usually 6 daily coach trips from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price£297.22 | Avg. Price£232.93Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration69h 36mFaster | Duration82h 51m |

There are several train options that can take you from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA?
In the last month, train tickets from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA cost about £274 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Rochester, NY and San Francisco, CA, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £56.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA will cost between £193 and £216. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA by month
Ticket prices for the train from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA 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 £255. If you're thinking of travelling from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £397 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about £56.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 69h 36m | £297.22 |
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 are 2 Amtrak trains from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from £273.50.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA
While the train is the main method of transport from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA, 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.
Trains leave the station in Rochester, NY twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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, CA to Rochester, NY. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA for £158.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Rochester, NY and San Francisco, CA is approximately 2,356 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 21 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 21 hours and 16 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)
2356
Distance (km)
3792
The earliest train departs Rochester, NY at 23:29 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:29. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
11:29pm
Last train
11:29pm
Trains from Rochester, NY to San Francisco, CA 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Rochester



Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.
Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.
The city’s busiest coach station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several coach carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louise M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the coach station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest 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 Rochester, NY?
Main departure station: Louise M. Slaughter Station

Opened in 2017, the Louise M. Slaughter Station Rochester is nearly brand new. It serves three Amtrak train lines: the Lake Shore Limited, the Empire Service, and the Maple Leaf. The station was renamed Louise M. Slaughter Station in honour of U.S. Representative Louise M. Slaughter, who died in March 2018. This intermodal transit station is connected to the rest of the area via transit buses and taxis. Spread across 9,500 square feet, Louise M. Slaughter Station has a classic red brick design, with cast stone and granite used in various places. At the station, you will find an indoor waiting area with plenty of seats. There are also several vending machines, an ATM, and toilet facilities.
All train stations in Rochester, NY:
- Louise M. Slaughter Station
Where is the train station in San Francisco, CA?
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, CA:
- San Francisco, California
Need a return trip from San Francisco, CA to Rochester, NY?
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