Cheap train tickets from Detroit to San Francisco
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Detroit to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Detroit to San Francisco usually takes 62 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 62 hours and 14 minutes.
| Distance | 2087 mi (3359 km) |
| Fastest train | 62h 14m |
| Lowest price | $334.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Detroit to San Francisco Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Detroit to San Francisco?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Detroit to San Francisco.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$410.79Cheaper | Avg. Price$462.28 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration62h 15m | Duration58h 38mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Detroit to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to San Francisco?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Detroit to San Francisco was $334.00. Considering the distance between Detroit 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 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $189.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Detroit to San Francisco will cost between $193 and $524. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to San Francisco by month
Ticket prices for the train from Detroit 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 $289. If you're thinking of traveling from Detroit to San Francisco during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $381 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Detroit to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about $189.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Detroit to San Francisco?
There are multiple trains that travel from Detroit 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 | 1 | 62h 15m | $410.79 |
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 Detroit to San Francisco every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $306.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Detroit to San Francisco
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 San Francisco to Detroit. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Detroit to San Francisco for $162.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Detroit and San Francisco is approximately 2087 miles, or 3359 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 62 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 62 hours and 14 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)
2087
DISTANCE (KM)
3359
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Detroit at 6:26am and arrives in San Francisco around 62 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:26am
LATEST TRAIN
6:31am
Trains from Detroit to San Francisco are the most crowded on Saturday. 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
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Detroit



Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
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 Detroit?
Main departure station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore 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 Detroit?
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