Cheap train tickets from Albuquerque to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Albuquerque to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Albuquerque to San Francisco usually takes 1 day, 7 hours, and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day, 6 hours, and 16 minutes.

Distance: 897 mi (1444 km)
Fastest train: 30h 16m
Lowest price: RON 699.66
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Albuquerque to San Francisco Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Albuquerque to San Francisco:

Amtrak tickets: RON 700 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Albuquerque to San Francisco?

In the last month, train tickets from Albuquerque to San Francisco cost about RON 702 when booked at the cheapest time. 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 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 306.70 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Albuquerque to San Francisco will cost between RON 762 and RON 1,107. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Albuquerque to San Francisco by month

Ticket prices for the train from Albuquerque to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only RON 800. If you're thinking of traveling from Albuquerque to San Francisco during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 1,035 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Albuquerque to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 306.70 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Albuquerque to San Francisco?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	31h 9m	RON 924.30

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 Albuquerque to San Francisco every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 699.66.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Albuquerque to San Francisco

While the train is the main method of transportation from Albuquerque to San Francisco, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

Trains leave the station in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Albuquerque and San Francisco is approximately 897 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 7 hours, and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 6 hours, and 16 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)

897

Distance (km)

1444

The earliest train departs Albuquerque at 3:14 PM while the last train of the day leaves at 3:14 PM. 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

3:14pm

Last train

3:14pm

Trains from Albuquerque 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.

Busiest

Saturday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Albuquerque

A city rich in history and culture, Albuquerque offers an exciting mix of Hispanic and Native American cultural elements. The city’s main attraction is the Old Town quarter, which has been around for over 300 years. Featuring quaint cobblestone streets and brightly colored adobe huts, the quarter is a perfect blend of the two cultures, making it a rare sight in the U.S. The quarter also houses the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city. Nature lovers will find the ABQ BioPark a pleasant surprise. Featuring an aquarium, a beach, a zoo, and a botanical garden, the park offers enough fun for the whole day. If you wish to learn more about the local Native American heritage, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the place to visit.

The Albuquerque food scene is among the most vibrant around. The state’s staple dishes are strong and spicy with a very distinctive New Mexican vibe. The best place to check out these dishes is at High Noon Restaurant and Saloon, a local favorite. Don’t forget to try out the city’s unique wine scene as well, and if you wish to sample different varieties, the Albuquerque Wine Festival is a great chance to do so.

The Alvarado Transportation Center is the busiest bus and train station in the city. Bus service by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines will take you from Albuquerque to various cities such as Phoenix, Dallas or even Chicago. For trains, the local Amtrak lines can take you to Denver, Santa Fe, Salt Lake City and beyond. The main airport of the city is the Albuquerque International Sunport, 3 miles southeast of the central business district.

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 is the train station in Albuquerque?

Main departure station: Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW

Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW - ABQAMT-0

Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW - ABQAMT-1

Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW - ABQAMT-2

Located in a busy area in Downtown Albuquerque, Alvarado Transportation Center is a multi-modal transportation center that serves intercity buses and trains. The station is currently situated on the site of the fabled Alvarado Hotel, once a luxury railroad hotel for early 20th century travelers. Maintaining the Mission Revival style of the now-demolished hotel, the Alvarado Transportation Center features arched entryways and a large clocktower that welcomes current passengers. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line stops in Albuquerque along its Los Angeles to Chicago route, and Jefferson Lines and Greyhound operate bus service through the station as well. From the station’s downtown location, you can connect with local public transit to access the rest of the city.

All train stations in Albuquerque:

Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW

Where is the train station 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 Albuquerque?

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