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Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Tucson

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San Francisco to Tucson Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

7 trains operate daily from San Francisco to Tucson. The train trip from San Francisco to Tucson is usually about 24 hours and 43 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 22 hours and 38 minutes.

Distance754 mi (1214 km)
Fastest train22h 38m
Lowest price$97.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between San Francisco and Tucson cost $107.75, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 15 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $29.63 more.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Tucson by month

$175$140$105$70$35DJFMAMJJASON
Mark your calendar for March if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from San Francisco to Tucson. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $107. If you're planning a trip from San Francisco to Tucson during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $172 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Which train should you take from San Francisco to Tucson?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak71d 0h 44m$125.29
  • 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 7 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to Tucson every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $97.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to Tucson

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to Tucson, 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 San Francisco and Tucson is approximately 754 miles, or 1214 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours and 38 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 San Francisco to Tucson on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs San Francisco at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

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 Tucson to San Francisco.

City Information

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

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.

Tucson

A bright and sunny city with more than 350 days of sunshine and temperatures that rarely dip below 60, Tucson is undoubtedly one of Arizona's best vacation destinations. Those who don’t shy away from some outdoor activities should go on a hiking trip in the Saguaro National Park, where visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of southwestern landscapes. Of the park's two areas, the Tucson Mountain District is the more popular one, owing to its amazing sunset views. Architecture fans could also consider visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac, a perfect example of 18th-century architecture. If you wish to learn more about the region and its unique flora and fauna, head over to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which features 230 animal species and 1,200 local plant species.

It should come as no surprise that the most famous dishes in Tucson are Mexican foods, which boast spicy, sweet and smoky flavors. One of the best spots to enjoy these delicacies is at El Charro Café, which has been around since 1922. For a more eclectic menu, Feast is a good option.

The principal Amtrak train station in Tucson is on Toole Ave. The city is served by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited lines. The main bus station is the bus terminal located at 801 E 12th St, not too far from the train station. The city’s commercial air services are fulfilled by Tucson International Airport, which is 6 miles south of the city’s center.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Salesforce Plaza - SFOBLT-0

Image credit: 146109843@N05

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Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Tucson?

400 N Toole Ave  - TUSAMT-0

Image credit: Bill Morrow

Link to image attribution
400 N Toole Ave  - TUSAMT-1

Image credit: Bill Morrow

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 400 N Toole Ave

The Amtrak station in Tucson is located on Toole Street in the Historic Fourth Avenue neighborhood. The station was built in 1907, and the neighboring Southern Arizona Transportation Museum displays railroad artifacts and a vintage locomotive from the station’s early days. Today, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle routes run through Tucson, heading towards Los Angeles, New Orleans, or Chicago. The station is comfortably appointed with clean bathrooms, charging ports, and indoor seating. Many top-rated dining options surround the station, but travelers can enjoy the best pre-train cocktail at the Congress Tap Room’s outdoor patio just across the street.

All train stations in Tucson:

  • 400 N Toole Ave

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