4.0
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.
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Trip Summary
There are 16 daily trains from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Francisco usually takes around 10 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 347 mi (559 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 30m |
| Lowest price | €44.41 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Los Angeles to San Francisco Route Map
What is the price of a train ticket from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
In the last month, €47.29 was the average price of a train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 10 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €11.60 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average daily price of train tickets to San Francisco from Los Angeles is expected to remain pretty much the same. As a result, a one-way train trip will cost about €47 regardless of the day you pick to travel.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just €47 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco in November, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €51 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to San Francisco from Los Angeles will be about €11.60 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Los Angeles, California to San Francisco, California. However, there are 16 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 16 | 10h 11m | €48.77 |
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 16 Amtrak trains from Los Angeles to San Francisco every day, as well as 22 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €44.
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.
In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.
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 11 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?
Trains from Los Angeles to San Francisco are the most crowded on Friday. 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 traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
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 20:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
There are 16 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. If you're not not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Los Angeles to San Francisco for €29.60.
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
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?
Departure stations
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.
Train stations in Los Angeles:
Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd, Chatsworth
592 Gayley Ave
Where is the train station in San Francisco?
Arrival stations
San Francisco has one train station.
Need a return trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
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