Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Boston
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San Francisco to Boston Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Boston?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Boston.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 1,163.51 | Avg. PriceRON 2,068.30 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration3d 12h 8m | Duration3d 12h 36m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from San Francisco to Boston. Traveling by train from San Francisco to Boston usually takes 84 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 82 hours and 9 minutes.
| Distance | 2693 mi (4334 km) |
| Fastest train | 82h 9m |
| Lowest price | RON 1,436.38 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Boston?
The average price for a train ticket from San Francisco to Boston is RON 2,038.14, The lengthy distance traveled between San Francisco and Boston often means relatively more expensive train tickets. By booking your trip at least 15 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay RON 727.60 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from San Francisco to Boston, book online with Wanderu at least 15 days in advance. That way, you’ll save RON 727.60 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from San Francisco to Boston?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Boston. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 3d 12h 29m | RON 2,470.96 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to Boston every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 1,115.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to Boston
The distance between San Francisco and Boston is approximately 2693 miles, or 4334 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 84 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 82 hours and 9 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 Boston on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday 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 6:00am 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 3 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 Boston to San Francisco.
City Information
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):
Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.
From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Francisco?
Image credit: 146109843@N05
Link to image attributionMain 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 Boston?
Main arrival station: Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
Boston receives travelers from San Francisco at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Boston:
Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
South Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Boston to San Francisco?
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