Cheap train tickets from Houston 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 Houston to San Francisco. Travelling by train from Houston to San Francisco usually takes 2 days, 16 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days and 35 minutes.
- Distance
- 1642 mi (2643 km)
- Fastest train
- 48h 35m
- Lowest price
- NOK 2,389.21
- Trains per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest coach & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most coach & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:
Houston to San Francisco Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Houston to San Francisco?
There are usually 10 daily coach trips from Houston to San Francisco.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceNOK 4,115.19 | Avg. PriceNOK 2,825.78Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips10 |
Duration | Duration64h 50m | Duration51h 55mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Houston to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Houston to San Francisco?
In the last month, train tickets from Houston to San Francisco cost about NOK 3,581 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Houston 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 10 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 1,189.31 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Houston to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Houston to San Francisco will cost between NOK 2,994 and NOK 6,431. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Houston to San Francisco by month
Ticket prices for the train from Houston 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 NOK 3,532. If you're thinking of travelling from Houston to San Francisco during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 4,816 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 Houston to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 1,189.31 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Houston to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Houston to San Francisco. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 64h 50m | NOK 4,115.24 |
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 Houston to San Francisco every day, as well as 3 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 2,389.21.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Houston to San Francisco
While the train is the main method of transport from Houston 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 Houston. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Houston to San Francisco for NOK 1,653.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
0
The distance between Houston and San Francisco is approximately 1,642 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 16 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days and 35 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)
1642
Distance (km)
2643
The earliest train departs Houston at 13:05 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:55. 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
1:05pm
Last train
6:55pm
Trains from Houston 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
Houston



Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial centre in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best holiday destinations.
As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main coach and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.
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 Houston?
Main departure station: 902 Washington Ave

The Amtrak Station on Washington Avenue is a key stop on the Sunset Limited train route that runs from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Toilets, vending machines, and checked baggage services are available inside the waiting room of the station. There is also plenty of free same-day and overnight parking onsite. Downtown Houston is within a quick walk, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the nearby Theater District, Civic Center, and Skyline District.
All train stations in Houston:
- 902 Washington Ave
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 Houston?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Houston
- Houston to Little Rock TrainNOK 1,048+
- Houston to Denver TrainNOK 3,730+
- Houston to Wichita Train
- Houston to Baltimore TrainNOK 2,172+
- Houston to St Louis TrainNOK 1,605+
- Houston to New York TrainNOK 3,296+
- Houston to Cincinnati TrainNOK 3,097+
- Houston to Memphis Train
- Houston to San Antonio TrainNOK 519+
- Houston to Los Angeles TrainNOK 3,277+
- Houston to Chicago TrainNOK 2,238+
- Houston to New Orleans TrainNOK 661+
- Houston to Grand Rapids TrainNOK 2,578+
- Houston to Omaha TrainNOK 2,616+
- Houston to Rochester Train
- Houston to Toledo TrainNOK 3,419+
- Houston to Dallas Train
- Houston to Milwaukee TrainNOK 2,418+
Continue by train from San Francisco
- San Francisco to Grand Canyon Village Train
- San Francisco to Los Angeles TrainNOK 689+
- San Francisco to Palm Springs TrainNOK 576+
- San Francisco to Petaluma TrainNOK 264+
- San Francisco to Sacramento TrainNOK 359+
- San Francisco to San Jose TrainNOK 255+
- San Francisco to Chicago TrainNOK 3,116+
- San Francisco to Philadelphia TrainNOK 3,541+
- San Francisco, CA to Richmond, VA TrainNOK 5,288+
- San Francisco to Fairfield TrainNOK 255+
- San Francisco to Modesto TrainNOK 321+
- San Francisco to Paso Robles TrainNOK 482+
- San Francisco to Rocklin TrainNOK 387+
- San Francisco to San Diego TrainNOK 755+
- San Francisco to Vallejo TrainNOK 255+
- San Francisco to New York TrainNOK 3,324+
- San Francisco to Austin TrainNOK 3,343+
- San Francisco to Seattle TrainNOK 1,464+
Check out these popular routes
- Toronto to Ottawa TrainNOK 453+
- San Diego to Los Angeles TrainNOK 349+
- Miami to Tampa TrainNOK 406+
- Chicago to New York TrainNOK 2,172+
- Portland, ME to Seattle, WA TrainNOK 4,202+
- New York to Boston TrainNOK 1,549+
- New York to Providence TrainNOK 1,483+
- Seattle to Baltimore TrainNOK 4,013+
- Seattle, WA to Vancouver, WA TrainNOK 463+
- Los Angeles to San Diego TrainNOK 368+
- Washington DC to New York TrainNOK 1,445+
- Chicago to Detroit TrainNOK 755+
- Boston to New York TrainNOK 1,502+
- New York to Washington DC TrainNOK 1,549+
- New York to Rensselaer TrainNOK 604+
- Portland to Seattle TrainNOK 453+
- Seattle to New York TrainNOK 5,487+
- Vancouver, WA to Seattle, WA TrainNOK 444+

Wanderu is the simplest way to book coach and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare coach and train timetables and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap coach and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading coach and train companies, we always have the best coach and train deals out there.




