Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can you take a train all the way from San Francisco to New York?

Accepted Answer

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to New York, 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.

Question 3

When are trains the most crowded?

Accepted Answer

Trains from San Francisco to New York are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Question 4

Which train should you take from San Francisco to New York?

Accepted Answer

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to New York.  However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.

Question 5

What is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to New York?

Accepted Answer

In the last month, €270.26 was the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to New York. Given how far apart San Francisco and New York are from each other, there's no getting around the fact that most train tickets are on the pricier side. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 23 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €171.60 more than that for a same-day booking.

Question 6

Is there a direct train from San Francisco to New York?

Accepted Answer

There are 7 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 New York to San Francisco.

Question 7

How long is the train journey from San Francisco to New York?

Accepted Answer

The distance between San Francisco and New York is approximately 2566 miles, or 4129 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 81 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 77 hours and 50 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.

Question 8

When are the first and last trains of the day?

Accepted Answer

The earliest train departs San Francisco at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 08:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Question 9

Get around town with Moovit

Accepted Answer

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in New York. Download here

Question 10

Where is the train station in New York?

Accepted Answer

New York has one train station.

Question 11

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

There is one train station in San Francisco.

Question 12

Prices as travel date approaches

Accepted Answer

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to New York from San Francisco will be about €171.60 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Question 13

Monthly average prices

Accepted Answer

Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to New York often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in when the average ticket price is only ,
If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to New York during , keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in , is to book your trip well in advance.

Question 14

Need a return trip from New York to San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Search Train Tickets

Question 15

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

Accepted Answer

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules 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 bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.