Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Pittsburgh

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Francisco to Pittsburgh. Traveling by train from San Francisco to Pittsburgh usually takes 68 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 66 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance
2260 mi (3637 km)
Fastest train
66h 50m
Lowest price
$429.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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San Francisco to Pittsburgh Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

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

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

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$526.44Avg. Price$288.58Cheaper
Daily Trips2Daily Trips2
Duration68h 18mFasterDuration69h 24m
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What is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Pittsburgh?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Pittsburgh was $429.00. Considering the distance between San Francisco and Pittsburgh, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $177.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Pittsburgh by travel date

$525$350$175SepSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Pittsburgh will cost between $186 and $514. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Pittsburgh by month

$500$400$300$200$100JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Pittsburgh 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 $338. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to Pittsburgh during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $489 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$625$500$375$250$125

By booking your train trip from San Francisco to Pittsburgh on Wanderu at least 7 days ahead of time, you can save about $177.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from San Francisco to Pittsburgh?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Pittsburgh. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak268h 18m$526.44
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to Pittsburgh every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $429.

    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 Pittsburgh

Trains leave the station in San Francisco twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Pittsburgh for $132.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

0

The distance between San Francisco and Pittsburgh is approximately 2260 miles, or 3637 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 68 hours and 18 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.

Distance (mi)

2260

Distance (km)

3637

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.

First train

7:00am

Last train

7:15am

Trains from San Francisco to Pittsburgh are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Saturday

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.

Pittsburgh

PGH-0PGH-1PGH-2

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?

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 is the train station in Pittsburgh?

Main arrival station: 1100 Liberty Ave

1100 Liberty Ave  - PGHAMT-01100 Liberty Ave  - PGHAMT-11100 Liberty Ave  - PGHAMT-2

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
  • Pittsburgh Intermodal/Grant St Trans Ctr

Need a return trip from Pittsburgh to San Francisco?

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