Cheap train tickets from New Orleans to San Francisco
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from New Orleans to San Francisco. Traveling by train from New Orleans to San Francisco usually takes 60 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 58 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 1922 mi (3094 km) |
| Fastest train | 58h 30m |
| Lowest price | $294.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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New Orleans to San Francisco Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from New Orleans to San Francisco?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from New Orleans to San Francisco.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$353.00Cheaper | Avg. Price$464.84 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration60h 30m | Duration58h 10mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from New Orleans to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from New Orleans to San Francisco?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from New Orleans to San Francisco was $294.00. Considering the distance between New Orleans and San Francisco, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $97.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from New Orleans to San Francisco will cost between $243 and $251. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to San Francisco by month
Ticket prices for the train from New Orleans to San Francisco 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 $286. If you're thinking of traveling from New Orleans to San Francisco during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $406 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from New Orleans to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 9 days ahead of time, you can save about $97.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from New Orleans to San Francisco?
There are multiple trains that travel from New Orleans to San Francisco, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 60h 30m | $353.00 |
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 New Orleans to San Francisco every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $294.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from New Orleans to San Francisco
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 San Francisco to New Orleans. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from New Orleans to San Francisco for $217.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between New Orleans and San Francisco is approximately 1922 miles, or 3094 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 60 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 58 hours and 30 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)
1922
DISTANCE (KM)
3094
The earliest train departs New Orleans at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. 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
9:00am
LATEST TRAIN
9:00am
Trains from New Orleans to San Francisco are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
New Orleans
New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in New Orleans?
Main departure station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
All train stations in New Orleans:
- Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Where does the train arrive in San Francisco?
Main arrival 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
Need a return trip from San Francisco to New Orleans?
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