Trains from Bakersfield to San Francisco
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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Bakersfield to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Bakersfield to San Francisco usually takes around 6 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 251 mi (404 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 33m |
| Lowest price | $42.50 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to San Francisco?
In the last month, $42.50 was the average price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to San Francisco. This is a great price, especially considering the length of the route. 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 $10.50 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Bakersfield to San Francisco by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for March. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $45 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Bakersfield to San Francisco in November, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $52 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 Bakersfield will be about $10.50 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Bakersfield to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Bakersfield to San Francisco. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 6h 38m | $44.44 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Bakersfield to San Francisco every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $43.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield to San Francisco?
How long is the train journey from Bakersfield to San Francisco?
The distance between Bakersfield and San Francisco is approximately 251 miles, or 404 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 33 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?
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Bakersfield to San Francisco. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Bakersfield at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. 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 Bakersfield to San Francisco?
There are 5 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 Bakersfield.
City Information
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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 Bakersfield?
Main departure station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
There is one train station in Bakersfield.
All train stations in Bakersfield:
601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
Where is the train station in San Francisco?
Image credit: [email protected]
Link to image attributionMain 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.
All train stations in San Francisco:
Salesforce Plaza
Need a return trip from San Francisco to Bakersfield?
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