Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Salt Lake City
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Francisco to Salt Lake City. Traveling by train from San Francisco to Salt Lake City usually takes 18 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 18 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 599 mi (964 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 40m |
| Lowest price | $116.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Francisco to Salt Lake City Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Francisco to Salt Lake City?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Salt Lake City.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$165.63 | Avg. Price$158.53Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration18h 52mFaster | Duration24h 9m |
There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to Salt Lake City:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Salt Lake City?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Salt Lake City was $125.50. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $74.30 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Salt Lake City by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City will cost between $78 and $238. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Salt Lake City by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Salt Lake City 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 $117. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to Salt Lake City during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $152 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
By booking your train trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about $74.30 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Francisco to Salt Lake City?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 18h 52m | $165.63 |
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 Salt Lake City every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $116.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to Salt Lake City
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 Salt Lake City to San Francisco. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Salt Lake City for $80.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Francisco and Salt Lake City is approximately 599 miles, or 964 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 40 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)
599
DISTANCE (KM)
964
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 7:00am and arrives in Salt Lake City around 18 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:00am
LATEST TRAIN
7:15am
Trains from San Francisco to Salt Lake City 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
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.
Salt Lake City
A city shrouded in a mystical veil to most visitors, Salt Lake City stands among one of the most culturally unique destinations in the U.S. Salt Lake City offers tourists a unique chance to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Temple Square is the best place to do so. Housing the Salt Lake Temple along with other significant historic buildings, the square will take you back to the earliest days of the city, immersing you in a unique cultural experience. While here, don’t miss out on the chance to visit the Great Salt Lake itself and to dive into its cool and refreshing water.
Salt Lake City features a diverse food scene, with Mexican food receiving a lot of attention. Those who wish to enjoy the best Mexican dishes in town could try Red Iguana. For travelers who are simply looking for the best burgers, Crown Burgers’ char-broiled patties will certainly be a great choice.
The Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub is the central transportation hub in the city. It is currently served by several rail services such as Amtrak, TRAX, and FrontRunner. Travelers can also catch Greyhound buses at the station. The Salt Lake City International Airport is the main airport for the city. Located about 4 miles west of Downtown, the airport is a major gateway to the Mountain West and the West Coast region.
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 Salt Lake City?
Main arrival station: 340 S 600 W
The Amtrak Station is a part of Salt Lake Central Station, the principal transportation hub in Salt Lake City. The station is within walking distance from the Bus Terminal, allowing you to easily transfer to bus service on Amtrak Thruway or Jefferson Lines. Along with UTA commuter rail, the station serves Amtrak’s California Zephyr on its journey from Emeryville to Chicago. A park-and-ride lot is available across the street, and travelers can rent bikes from the on-site bicycle sharing service, Greenbike. However you get around town, you’ll appreciate the convenience of the Amtrak station, located less than a mile from the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.
All train stations in Salt Lake City:
- 340 S 600 W
Need a return trip from Salt Lake City to San Francisco?
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