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 9 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 | $73.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Reno to San Francisco Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Reno to San Francisco?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Reno to San Francisco.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$86.94 | Avg. Price$56.05Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration9h 9m | Duration6h 14mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Reno to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Reno to San Francisco?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Reno to San Francisco was $81.53. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $9.73 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 $79 and $105. 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 September when the average ticket price is only $81. If you're thinking of traveling from Reno to San Francisco during February, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $93 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in February, 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 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $9.73 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Reno to San Francisco?
There are multiple trains that travel from Reno 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 | 4 | 9h 9m | $86.94 |
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 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $62.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Reno to San Francisco
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 $29.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Reno and San Francisco is approximately 186 miles, or 299 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 9 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 7:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:30pm. 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
7:45am
LATEST 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
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 does the train leave from 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 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 Reno?
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