Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Tucson
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from San Francisco to Tucson. Traveling by train from San Francisco to Tucson usually takes 23 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 21 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 754 mi (1214 km) |
| Fastest train | 21h 58m |
| Lowest price | $132.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Francisco to Tucson Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Francisco to Tucson?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Tucson.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$173.29 | Avg. Price$153.11Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration23h 23m | Duration22h 44mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to Tucson:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Tucson?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Tucson was $144.00. 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 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $61.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Tucson by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Tucson will cost between $128 and $167. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Tucson by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Tucson 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 $137. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to Tucson during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $167 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Francisco to Tucson on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time, you can save about $61.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Francisco to Tucson?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Francisco to Tucson, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 23h 23m | $173.29 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to Tucson every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $132.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to Tucson
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 Tucson to San Francisco. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Tucson for $83.
TRIPS PER DAY
5
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Francisco and Tucson is approximately 754 miles, or 1214 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 21 hours and 58 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
754
DISTANCE (KM)
1214
The earliest train departs San Francisco at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:40am. 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
7:00am
LATEST TRAIN
9:40am
Trains from San Francisco to Tucson are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
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.
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 does the train leave from in San Francisco?
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 does the train arrive in Tucson?
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
Need a return trip from Tucson to San Francisco?
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