Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe. Traveling by train from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe usually takes 6 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours.
- Distance
- 155 mi (249 km)
- Fastest train
- 6h
- Lowest price
- CZK 1,624.75
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe (Based on 10 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
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5.0
There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe by travel date
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe by month
Prices as travel date approaches
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. 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 21m | CZK 1,624.75 |
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 San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 1,624.75.










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.
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 South Lake Tahoe to San Francisco.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe is approximately 155 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours. 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)
155
Distance (km)
249
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 7:00 AM and arrives in South Lake Tahoe around 6 hours later.
First train
7:00am
Last train
7:15am
Trains from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Monday
Towns near South Lake Tahoe
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station 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 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
Need a return trip from South Lake Tahoe to San Francisco?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
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Continue by train from South Lake Tahoe
- South Lake Tahoe to Davis TrainCZK 932+
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