Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to St Paul
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Francisco to St Paul. Traveling by train from San Francisco to St Paul usually takes 57 hours and 43 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 1590 mi (2558 km) |
| Fastest train | 57h 43m |
| Lowest price | $414.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Francisco to St Paul Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Francisco to St Paul?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to St Paul.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$515.88 | Avg. Price$267.96Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration57h 43mFaster | Duration81h 39m |
There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to St Paul:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to St Paul?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to St Paul was $414.00. Considering the distance between San Francisco and St Paul, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $161.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to St Paul by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to St Paul will cost between $216 and $371. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to St Paul by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to St Paul often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $322. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to St Paul during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $466 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 St Paul on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about $161.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Francisco to St Paul?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Francisco to St Paul, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 57h 43m | $515.88 |
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 St Paul every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $414.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to St Paul
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 St Paul to San Francisco. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to St Paul for $233.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Francisco and St Paul is approximately 1590 miles, or 2558 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 57 hours and 43 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)
1590
DISTANCE (KM)
2558
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 8:50pm and arrives in St Paul around 57 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
8:50pm
LATEST TRAIN
8:50pm
Trains from San Francisco to St Paul are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
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.
St Paul
Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and is one of the Twin Cities, along with its neighbor across the Mississippi River, Minneapolis. As the seat of Minnesota's government, Saint Paul offers historic and cultural attractions which represent both the state and the American Midwest as a whole.
For a comprehensive introduction to the region's history, start your trip at the Minnesota History Center, just down the street from the grounds of the State Capitol building. There are museums in Saint Paul for all types of interests, including the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Schubert Club Musical Instrument Museum. For an extra dash of Saint Paul history, take a stroll down Summit Avenue, a stylish street of drool-worthy Victorian houses and mansions, including the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
If you're brave enough to visit Saint Paul during the freezing winters, you'll be rewarded with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a yearly event where you can explore ice palaces, watch live ice sculpting, and compete in city-wide scavenger hunts. Saint Paul is also one of the country's best cities for craft beer, so save time to taste some local ales or even brew your own beer at Vine Park Brewing Co.
Saint Paul is a hub for travel in the Midwest thanks in part to Amtrak's Empire Builder train service which stops at Saint Paul Union Depot. Bus service from stations throughout town and nearby Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport make it easy to travel to and from this saintly city.
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 St Paul?
Main arrival station: Union Depot
Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood, Union Depot has a remarkable history dating back to 1881. It remains the major transport hub of Saint Paul, as well as the designated station for Amtrak service in the Twin Cities. Besides the long-haul Empire Builder train, the station serves Jefferson Lines and Greyhound intercity buses and connects to local public transit. Within the Union Depot complex, you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurant, bike shop, rental car agency, and can even join a public tour to admire the architecture and learn about the station’s storied past.
All train stations in St Paul:
- Union Depot
Need a return trip from St Paul to San Francisco?
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