Cheap train tickets from Austin to San Francisco

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Austin to San Francisco. Travelling by train from Austin to San Francisco usually takes 2 days, 2 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days and 8 minutes.

Distance
1500 mi (2414 km)
Fastest train
48h 8m
Lowest price
US$281.00
Trains per day
3
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Austin to San Francisco Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Austin to San Francisco?

There are usually 14 daily coach trips from Austin to San Francisco.

Train
Coach
Avg. PriceUS$357.38Avg. PriceUS$280.68Cheaper
Daily Trips3Daily Trips14
Duration50h 12mFasterDuration51h 7m
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What is the price of a train ticket from Austin to San Francisco?

In the last month, train tickets from Austin to San Francisco cost about US$281 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Austin 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 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$144 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

US$375US$250US$125NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Austin to San Francisco will cost between US$269 and US$371. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Austin to San Francisco by month

US$475US$380US$285US$190US$95JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Austin 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 US$273. If you're thinking of travelling from Austin to San Francisco during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$458 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

US$425US$340US$255US$170US$8520

By booking your train trip from Austin to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about US$144 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Austin to San Francisco?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak350h 12mUS$357.38
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Austin to San Francisco every day, as well as 3 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$281.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

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

While the train is the main method of transport from Austin 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.

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 hand 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 Austin. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Austin to San Francisco for US$154.

Trains per day

3

Direct trains

0

The distance between Austin and San Francisco is approximately 1,500 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 2 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days and 8 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)

1500

Distance (km)

2414

The earliest train departs Austin at 19:22 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:22. 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

7:22pm

Last train

7:22pm

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

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Austin

Austin, TX - AUS-0Austin, TX - AUS-1Austin, TX - AUS-2

Austin is the capital of the Lone Star State and one of the best holiday destinations in Texas. Known as Texas’s “weird” city, Austin is famous for being the southern mecca for the arts. In addition to being a hot spot for both emerging and established artists from Texas and the surrounding states, Austin is well known for its eclectic live music scene. In addition, the University of Texas’ main campus is located in Austin, which makes the city a popular destination for young people from all over the world, keeping it vibrant at all times. It’s no surprise that it ranks among the top party cities in the U.S.

While you’re in town, make sure to stop by the hip South Congress neighbourhood to shop at the trendy boutiques and grab some grub at the authentically Austin restaurants. Since Austin is one of the best craft beer cities in the country, you won’t regret checking out some of the local breweries too. After that, head over to Lady Bird Lake and rent a kayak for a relaxing paddling session on the water, or simply go for a walk on the picturesque Hike & Bike Trail. Finally, spend the night bar hopping along the pedestrian-only Sixth Street.

While the Austin airport is located on the outskirts of the city, the main train station is right in the heart of downtown. Similarly, the two coach stations that serve Austin are located close to the city centre, making ground transport the more convenient way to travel in and out of town.

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0San Francisco, CA - SFO-1San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

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 Austin?

Main departure station: 250 N Lamar Blvd

250 N Lamar Blvd - AUSAMT-0

Built in 1947, the Amtrak Station in Austin is one of the stops along Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route which runs from Chicago to San Antonio and connects to Los Angeles. The station, located at 250 N Lamar Boulevard, sits near the banks of the Colorado River in downtown Austin. With just a quick walk from the station, you can reach the beautiful Ladybird Lake-Lamar Beach Park, stylish shopping and dining in the 2nd Street District, and even the state capital complex. Same-day and overnight parking is available at the station, as well as toilets and vending machines inside.

All train stations in Austin:

  • 250 N Lamar Blvd

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Main arrival station: San Francisco, California

Salesforce Plaza - SFOBLT-0

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 Austin?

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