Cheap train tickets from Boston to San Francisco
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Boston to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Boston to San Francisco usually takes 79 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 79 hours and 48 minutes.
| Distance | 2693 mi (4334 km) |
| Fastest train | 79h 48m |
| Lowest price | $421.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Boston to San Francisco Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Boston to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Boston to San Francisco?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Boston to San Francisco was $486.17. Considering the distance between Boston 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 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $269.38 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Boston to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Boston to San Francisco will cost between $208 and $647. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Boston to San Francisco by month
Ticket prices for the train from Boston to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in November when the average ticket price is only $367. If you're thinking of traveling from Boston to San Francisco during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $591 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 Boston to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $269.38 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Boston to San Francisco?
There are multiple trains that travel from Boston 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 | 2 | 79h 51m | $554.08 |
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 Boston to San Francisco every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $396.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Boston to San Francisco
Trains leave the station in Boston 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 San Francisco to Boston. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Boston to San Francisco for $235.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Boston and San Francisco is approximately 2693 miles, or 4334 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 79 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 79 hours and 48 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)
2693
DISTANCE (KM)
4334
The earliest train departs Boston at 12:50pm while the last train of the day leaves at 12:57pm. 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
12:50pm
LATEST TRAIN
12:57pm
Trains from Boston to San Francisco 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):
Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.
From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.
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 Boston?
Main departure station: South Station
South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.
All train stations in Boston:
- South Station
- Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
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 Boston?
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