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Trains from Los Angeles to San Francisco

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Los Angeles - San Francisco Train Timetable

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Train Route Overview: Los Angeles to San Francisco

There are 17 daily trains from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Francisco usually takes around 10 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance347 mi (559 km)
Fastest train9h 30m
Lowest price€51.76
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Los Angeles to San Francisco

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.3

5.0

Theresa

27 December 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: The people on train where wonderful especially a black guy on train which is employed by the name of will very nice guy. Cons: Bathrooms. Someone to keep them a little bit cleaner. Tips: Its the best way to travel for me i felt safe.the workers where on top of th...

Pros: The people on train where wonderful especially a black guy on train which is employed by the name of will very nice guy. Cons: Bathrooms. Someone to keep them a little bit cleaner. Tips: Its the best way to travel for me i felt safe.the workers where on top of thing through out the stop.

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4.0

Romina

27 November 2021- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: The views. Cons: The stops in each cities.

Pros: The views. Cons: The stops in each cities.

4.0

Linda

5 June 2021- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: Affordable and I didn’t have to drive. Tips: Bring drinks. Small water and a snack bag was provided.

Pros: Affordable and I didn’t have to drive. Tips: Bring drinks. Small water and a snack bag was provided.

Los Angeles to San Francisco Route Map

Los Angeles San Francisco

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

The average price for a train ticket to San Francisco is €56.95, If your search turns up options priced lower than €56.95 then you've uncoverred an exceptional deal, don't let it get away. Wanderu ensures that you find great deals on train tickets everytime, we search all of the best train options to present you the lowest prices available from our partner carriers.

Average prices by travel date

€73€49€24AugAug

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco will vary between €56 and €63. Planning a train trip to San Francisco within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Los Angeles over the next 7 days is €57. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

€73€58€44€29€15SONDJFMAMJJA
Traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco by train will cost you about the same regardless of the time of year for which you plan your trip. In general, train ticket prices for that route don’t fluctuate much throughout the year, so expect to pay around €56 whenever you decide to board the train to San Francisco.

Prices as travel date approaches

€73€58€44€29€153020100

Since the average price of train trips from Los Angeles to San Francisco remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your train tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the train selling out.

Which train should you take from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Los Angeles to San Francisco. However, there are 17 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak1710h 18m€60.35
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 17 Amtrak trains from Los Angeles to San Francisco every day, as well as 28 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €52.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Los Angeles to San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

While the train is the main method of transportation from Los Angeles 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.

How long is the train journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

The distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco is approximately 347 miles, or 559 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Friday is the busiest travel day for trains as people head from Los Angeles to San Francisco for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Los Angeles at 01:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

How many train departures serve San Francisco each day?

There are 17 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 carry-on 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 Los Angeles.

City Information

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the undisputed world capital of the entertainment business. Because of that, the City of Angels is where you will find some of the most iconic landmarks of the film and music industries, including the world-famous Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards) on Hollywood Boulevard, the easily recognizable Capitol Records building at Hollywood & Vine, and the LA Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles.

The best part of LA is that it has something to offer for people of all interests: outdoor enthusiasts can hike up to the Hollywood sign, fashion aficionados can go shopping in Beverly Hills, art lovers can check out the prominent Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the Miracle Mile district, and those looking for a fun night out can go bar-hopping in West Hollywood. Are you a Pokémon GO addict? Well then this is the place for you because LA is the best city to catch the rarest Pokémon in the U.S.. And if you want to want to experience the famed golden coast of Southern California for yourself, head west to Santa Monica and Venice for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.

With one of the biggest airports on the West Coast and several bus and train stops across the county, Los Angeles makes it easy to travel elsewhere in California, visit the neighboring Nevada, Arizona and Mexico, or take a flight to pretty much any other part of the world.

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 Los Angeles?

Los Angeles, CA - Union Station - LAXUST-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Station

Union Station is the main train station in Los Angeles and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. The station was opened in 1939 and has become one of California’s busiest transportation hubs, serving more than 100 thousand passengers per day. Every Amtrak route that goes through Los Angeles stops at Union Station. In addition, the area around the station serves as the main bus stop for several bus carriers that conduct trips in and out of the city. Located in Downtown LA, Union Station offers easy transit connections to other parts of the city via three Metro Rail lines and one Metro Busway line, as well as a shuttle service to LAX airport. Union Station also serves as the main LA hub for six lines of Metrolink, Southern California’s primary commuter rail service.

All train stations in Los Angeles:

  • Union Station

  • Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd

  • 592 Gayley Ave

  • 10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd, Chatsworth

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Salesforce Plaza - SFOBLT-0

Image credit: [email protected]

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Salesforce Plaza

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:

  • Salesforce Plaza

Related reading

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