Cheap train tickets from Phoenix to San Francisco
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Phoenix to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Phoenix to San Francisco usually takes 22 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 22 hours.
| Distance | 653 mi (1051 km) |
| Fastest train | 22h |
| Lowest price | $171.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Phoenix to San Francisco Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Phoenix to San Francisco?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Phoenix to San Francisco.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$211.23Cheaper | Avg. Price$260.22 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration22h 15m | Duration20h 15mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Phoenix to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Phoenix to San Francisco?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Phoenix to San Francisco was $183.00. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $46.44 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Phoenix to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Phoenix to San Francisco will cost between $176 and $193. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Phoenix to San Francisco by month
Ticket prices for the train from Phoenix to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $179. If you're thinking of traveling from Phoenix to San Francisco during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $202 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Phoenix to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $46.44 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Phoenix to San Francisco?
There are multiple trains that travel from Phoenix to San Francisco, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 22h 15m | $211.23 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Phoenix to San Francisco every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $171.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Phoenix to San Francisco
Trains leave the station in Phoenix twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, 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 Phoenix. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Phoenix to San Francisco for $131.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Phoenix and San Francisco is approximately 653 miles, or 1051 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours, 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
653
DISTANCE (KM)
1051
The earliest train departs Phoenix at 7:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 7:30pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:00pm
LATEST TRAIN
7:30pm
Trains from Phoenix to San Francisco are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Phoenix
Phoenix, in the heart of the American Southwest, is the capital of Arizona and one of the best destinations for escaping the cold winter months. But we won't lie, it can get HOT.
Sure, you can sip a margarita by the pool at any one of the city's many resorts, or you can get outside and experience some of the Sonoran Desert's unique landscapes. For impressive views of the city and the desert beyond, hike up Camelback Mountain, a 2,700-foot humped mountain which resembles a kneeling camel. If you're more a fan of Tiger Woods than camel mountains, see why Phoenix is a top destination for golf at one of the city's 200+ golf courses.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, you too can overcome your sore muscles after a long day of hiking or golfing and get ready to hit the town. After all, Phoenix is one of the biggest party hubs in the U.S. Roosevelt Row, a creative arts district known for its galleries and mural-covered walls, is one of many spots where Phoenix comes to life after dark. Recommended haunts on Roosevelt Row include the Churchill and Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co, as well as The Duce which offers themed nights ranging from Cowboy Night to Burlesque.
Getting to Phoenix is surely easier than getting over your hangover. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a large and busy airport just outside of downtown, and bus service is operated from stations throughout the city connecting Phoenix to destinations in Arizona and beyond. Unfortunately, there is no train service to Phoenix.
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 does the train leave from in Phoenix?
Main departure station: Sky Harbor Apt, Terminal 4 Arrivals, Door 3
There are two stations in Phoenix where you can board the train to San Francisco.
All train stations in Phoenix:
- Sky Harbor Apt, Terminal 4 Arrivals, Door 3
- 2525 W Deer Valley Road
Where does the train arrive 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 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.
All train stations in San Francisco:
- San Francisco, California
Need a return trip from San Francisco to Phoenix?
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