Cheap train tickets from Portland to San Francisco
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Portland to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Portland to San Francisco usually takes 20 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 18 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 536 mi (862 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 58m |
| Lowest price | $103.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Portland to San Francisco Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Portland to San Francisco?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Portland to San Francisco.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$178.59 | Avg. Price$149.39Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration20h 3m | Duration18h 10mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Portland to San Francisco (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Portland to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Portland to San Francisco?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to San Francisco was $142.20. 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 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $68.63 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to San Francisco will cost between $101 and $226. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to San Francisco by month
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $114. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to San Francisco during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $172 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Portland to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $68.63 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Portland to San Francisco?
There are multiple trains that travel from Portland 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 | 20h 3m | $178.59 |
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 Portland to San Francisco every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $101.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to San Francisco
Trains leave the station in Portland 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 Portland. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Portland to San Francisco for $81.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Portland and San Francisco is approximately 536 miles, or 862 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 58 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)
536
DISTANCE (KM)
862
The earliest train departs Portland at 2:22pm while the last train of the day leaves at 2:22pm. 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
2:22pm
LATEST TRAIN
2:22pm
Trains from Portland to San Francisco are the most crowded on Monday. 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
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Portland
Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.
Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.
Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."
As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.
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 Portland?
Main departure station: Union Station
Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.
All train stations in Portland:
- Union 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 Portland?
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