Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to St Louis

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from San Francisco to St Louis. Traveling by train from San Francisco to St Louis usually takes 63 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 58 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance
1741 mi (2803 km)
Fastest train
58h 10m
Lowest price
$374.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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San Francisco to St Louis Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Francisco to St Louis?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to St Louis.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$416.50Avg. Price$288.46Cheaper
Daily Trips3Daily Trips2
Duration63h 37mDuration55h 26mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to St Louis?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to St Louis was $391.40. Considering the distance between San Francisco and St Louis, 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 $93.60 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to St Louis by travel date

$420$280$140AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to St Louis will cost between $228 and $407. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to St Louis by month

$375$300$225$150$75JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to St Louis often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $291. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to St Louis during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $360 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$500$400$300$200$100

By booking your train trip from San Francisco to St Louis on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about $93.60 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from San Francisco to St Louis?

There are multiple trains that travel from San Francisco to St Louis, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak363h 37m$416.50
  • 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 St Louis every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $301.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to St Louis

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 St Louis to San Francisco. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to St Louis for $160.

TRIPS PER DAY

3

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The distance between San Francisco and St Louis is approximately 1741 miles, or 2803 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 63 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 58 hours and 10 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)

1741

DISTANCE (KM)

2803

The earliest train departs San Francisco at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:40am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

EARLIEST TRAIN

7:00am

LATEST TRAIN

9:40am

Trains from San Francisco to St Louis 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.

MOST CROWDED

Friday

LEAST CROWDED

Monday

City Information

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0San Francisco, CA - SFO-1San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

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 Louis

St. Louis, MO - STL-0St. Louis, MO - STL-1St. Louis, MO - STL-2

St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.

Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.

Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.

The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the center of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.

Station Information

Where does the train leave from in San Francisco?

Main departure station: San Francisco, California

Salesforce Plaza - SFOBLT-0

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 Louis?

Main arrival station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St - STLAMT-0

Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.

All train stations in St Louis:

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Need a return trip from St Louis to San Francisco?

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