4.0
Pros: Being able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Cons: Arrival/departure times. Tips: Give yourself extra time for delays.
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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Monterey to San Francisco per day. The average train journey from Monterey to San Francisco takes 6 hours and 11 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 86 mi (139 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 50m |
| Lowest price | $40.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Monterey to San Francisco
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Monterey to San Francisco?
The average price for a train ticket from Monterey to San Francisco is $45.43, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 21 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $20.37 more.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Monterey to San Francisco will range from $44 to $48. If you're planning to travel by train to San Francisco in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Monterey you can find in the next 7 days is $45. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during April. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Monterey to San Francisco, with the average price at just $44. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in October, when the average price goes up to $58. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Monterey to San Francisco. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 21 days before departure, you can save around $20.37. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Monterey to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Monterey to San Francisco. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 6h 11m | $52.77 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Monterey to San Francisco every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the train is the main method of transportation from Monterey 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.
The distance between Monterey and San Francisco is approximately 86 miles, or 139 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Monterey to San Francisco on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Monterey at 4:00pm and arrives in San Francisco around 5 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Monterey.
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 Monterey?
Main departure station: 351 Fremont St
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 5 stops and stations in Monterey where you can board the train.
All train stations in Monterey:
351 Fremont St
Marriott
Monterey Bay Aquarium
500 Tyler St
1 Old Golf Course Rd
Where is the train station in San Francisco?
Image credit: 146109843@N05
Link to image attributionMain 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
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