Question 1

Is it safe to travel by train from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can you take a train all the way from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?

Accepted Answer

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe, 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.

Question 3

When are trains the most crowded?

Accepted Answer

Trains from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Question 4

Which train should you take from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?

Accepted Answer

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe.  The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

Question 5

What is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?

Accepted Answer

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe was $59.00.  The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.

Question 6

Is there a direct train from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?

Accepted Answer

Trains leave the station in San Francisco 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 South Lake Tahoe to San Francisco.

Question 7

How long is the train journey from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?

Accepted Answer

The distance between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe is approximately 155 miles, or 249 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 20 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.

Question 8

When are the first and last trains of the day?

Accepted Answer

The earliest train departs San Francisco at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Question 9

Get around town with Moovit

Accepted Answer

Find the best way to get to and from any station in South Lake Tahoe by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Question 10

Where is the train station in South Lake Tahoe?

Accepted Answer

South Lake Tahoe receives travelers from San Francisco at its two active train stations.

Question 11

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

There is one train station in San Francisco.

Question 12

Prices as travel date approaches

Accepted Answer

The price of train trips from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Question 13

Monthly average prices

Accepted Answer

Taking the train from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around  whenever you decide to travel.

Question 14

Need a return trip from South Lake Tahoe to San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Search Train Tickets

Question 15

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

Accepted Answer

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.