Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia. Traveling by train from San Francisco to Philadelphia usually takes 79 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 76 hours and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 2517 mi (4050 km) |
| Fastest train | 76h 44m |
| Lowest price | $488.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Francisco to Philadelphia Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Francisco to Philadelphia?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Philadelphia.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$644.15 | Avg. Price$388.85Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration79h 38m | Duration76h 43mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to Philadelphia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Philadelphia?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Philadelphia was $523.00. Considering the distance between San Francisco and Philadelphia, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $200.05 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Philadelphia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Philadelphia will cost between $244 and $705. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Philadelphia by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Philadelphia often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $438. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to Philadelphia during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $609 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Francisco to Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $200.05 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Francisco to Philadelphia?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Francisco to Philadelphia, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 79h 38m | $644.15 |
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 Philadelphia every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $451.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia to San Francisco. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Philadelphia for $166.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Francisco and Philadelphia is approximately 2517 miles, or 4050 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 79 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 76 hours and 44 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)
2517
DISTANCE (KM)
4050
The earliest train departs San Francisco at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:15am. 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
7:15am
Trains from San Francisco to Philadelphia are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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.
Philadelphia
We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
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 Philadelphia?
Main arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Philadelphia has one train station.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
- 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Need a return trip from Philadelphia to San Francisco?
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Continue by train from Philadelphia
- Philadelphia to Memphis Train$328+
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