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Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe. The average train journey from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe takes 5 hours and 46 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance155 mi (249 km)
Fastest train5h 30m
Lowest price$72.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe

(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Neha

December 18, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: On-time arrivals and departures. Well-marked boarding places and helpful staff. Tips: Trip to South Lake Tahoe is scenic. So if you want to enjoy the views from bus, be there at n time to grab the front seats.

5.0

Sandra

October 20, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak

It felt smooth even though I had to take 2 buses and a train! super convenient for people who don't drive and wanna travel.

5.0

Veronica

May 8, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Not having to drive. Cons: Can't think of anything. Tips: None.

5.0

AIUKA

February 1, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: Kindness of employees impress me most. Cons: Everything was ok. Tips: Relax.

5.0

Tendai

March 24, 2021- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: Friendly driver and kept updating us on where we where and all the stops. Cons: All was well. the signal issues caused the delays. Tips: Great train and bus trip, not crowded and very clean.

Price trends for trains from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe by travel date

$75$50$25JunJun

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe by month

$75$60$45$30$15JASONDJFMAMJ

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

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

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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak25h 46m$72.00

  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $72.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe

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.

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 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 30 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.

Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

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.

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Salesforce Plaza - SFOBLT-0

Image credit: 146109843@N05

Link to image attribution

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 South Lake Tahoe?

Main arrival station: Transp Ctr

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

All train stations in South Lake Tahoe:

  • Transp Ctr

  • South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd

Get around town with Moovit

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

From the Wanderu blog

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