Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Pittsburgh
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Pittsburgh?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Pittsburgh.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$232.63 | Avg. Price$341.42 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration2d 23h 18m | Duration2d 19h 4m |
Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from San Francisco to Pittsburgh. The train trip from San Francisco to Pittsburgh is usually about 67 hours and 4 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 66 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 2260 mi (3637 km) |
| Fastest train | 66h 50m |
| Lowest price | $363.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from San Francisco to Pittsburgh
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from San Francisco to Pittsburgh?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Pittsburgh. 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 | 2d 19h 5m | $418.93 |
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 Pittsburgh every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $331.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to Pittsburgh
The distance between San Francisco and Pittsburgh is approximately 2260 miles, or 3637 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 67 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 66 hours and 50 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.
Trains departing from San Francisco to Pittsburgh tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 6:00am and arrives in Pittsburgh around 66 hours later.
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 Pittsburgh 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.
Pittsburgh
Once the epitome of American industrial power, Pittsburgh has recently seen new waves of changes that turn it into a vibrant destination for visitors, especially for families. When in Pittsburgh, don’t miss out on the chance to hop on the Duquesne Incline and get to the top of Mount Washington. You will be rewarded with a panoramic view of where the three rivers collide, which offers plenty of excellent photogenic angles. Culturally-inclined travelers will find the Senator John Heinz History Center the perfect place to spend a day in. It does not just offer exhibitions on the city’s history but also on its baseball and football legacies, as well as Heinz products. Whether you are a sports fan or not, it is worthwhile to check out the Heinz Field, which provides a unique waterfront view.
Pittsburgh’s staple is pierogies, and some of the highest-rated eateries that include the dish on their menu are Pierogies Plus and Penn Brewery. These establishments serve other Eastern European dishes for your enjoyment as well. For traditional American eats, Eleven has an excellent selection.
Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, and Fullington Trailways all provide intercity transit service to Pittsburgh, and visitors can catch their buses at the Grant Street Transportation Center. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the nearby Pittsburgh Union Station. The main airport of the city is the Pittsburgh International Airport, which is located 10 miles west of Downtown. Another alternative is the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, 44 miles east of the city.
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 Pittsburgh?
Image credit: David Brossard
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Barta IV
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Luke H. Gordon
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 1100 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh’s Union Station on Liberty Ave is a historic building that opened in 1903. Enter the station through enormous outdoor arches and pass beneath the spectacular rotunda dome with a central skylight. Once inside, you can catch the Capitol Limited train on its daily service from Chicago to DC or hop aboard the Pennsylvanian as it begins the journey to New York. Located in Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle, the station offers easy access to the nearby bus terminal, parking, restaurants, and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
All train stations in Pittsburgh:
1100 Liberty Ave
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Need a return trip from Pittsburgh to San Francisco?
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