Cheap train tickets from Reno to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Reno to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Reno to San Francisco usually takes 9 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance: 186 mi (299 km)
Fastest train: 6h 20m
Lowest price: CHF 63.47
Trains per day: 4
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Reno to San Francisco Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Reno to San Francisco?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Reno to San Francisco.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 76.63	Avg. PriceCHF 39.39Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips4	Daily Trips3
Duration	Duration9h 20m	Duration6h 18mFaster

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

Amtrak tickets: CHF 63 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Reno to San Francisco cost about CHF 72 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 12.89 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Reno to San Francisco will cost between CHF 71 and CHF 91. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Reno to San Francisco by month

Ticket prices for the train from Reno to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only CHF 70. If you're thinking of traveling from Reno to San Francisco during January, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 78 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in January, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Reno to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 12.89 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Reno to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Reno to San Francisco. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	4	9h 20m	CHF 76.62

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 4 Amtrak trains from Reno to San Francisco every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 63.47.

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

While the train is the main method of transportation from Reno 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.

There are 4 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 Reno. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Reno to San Francisco for CHF 24.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Reno and San Francisco is approximately 186 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 20 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)

186

Distance (km)

299

The earliest train departs Reno at 7:45 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 2:30 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

7:45am

Last train

2:30pm

Trains from Reno 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Reno

Dazzling with neon lights and bustling through the night, Reno is a great destination for those seeking top-class entertainment. Though considerably outshined by Las Vegas, Reno still brings unique attractions to the table. Among the most notable destinations for non-gamblers is an independent art scene down at Riverwalk, where indie galleries as well as restaurants abound. Fans of the great outdoors should not miss out on nearby Lake Tahoe, which stands among the most beautiful vacation destinations in the country.

At its core, Reno is still a city for gamblers, and it certainly does not disappoint. Slot machines, table games and cabaret shows are available at the local casinos, ready to tempt risk-takers who wish to court Lady Luck.

Right in the heart of downtown Reno, you will find the Reno Amtrak station from where you can take a train to Northern California and beyond. The local Reno-Tahoe International Airport is located outside of the city and it provides quick access to international flight routes. The main bus stop that serves Reno is also located at the airport.

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 Reno?

Main departure station: Reno Amtrak Train Station

The Amtrak Station in Reno is one of the main travel hubs in the city and opened in 1868. Located on North Center St, the station is surrounded by the casinos, restaurants, and hotels which put Reno on the map. Due to its downtown location, the station waiting area and the train tracks are actually placed below ground level. The California Zephyr train line passes through this station on its route from Chicago to Emeryville as well as Amtrak Thruway buses which connect to Sacramento.

All train stations in Reno:

Reno Amtrak Train Station

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 Reno?

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