Cheap train tickets from Salem to San Francisco
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Salem to San Francisco?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Salem to San Francisco.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$129.24 | Avg. Price$139.90 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration15h 4m | Duration20h 31m |
Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Salem and San Francisco. The average train journey from Salem to San Francisco takes 20 hours and 27 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 17 hours and 41 minutes.
| Distance | 496 mi (799 km) |
| Fastest train | 17h 41m |
| Lowest price | $107.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Salem to San Francisco?
The average price for a train ticket from Salem to San Francisco is $122.50, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 11 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $41.00 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Salem to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Salem 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 | 20h 27m | $147.82 |
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 Salem to San Francisco every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $83.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Salem to San Francisco
The distance between Salem and San Francisco is approximately 496 miles, or 799 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 41 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.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Salem to San Francisco. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Salem at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Salem 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 Salem.
City Information
Salem
Image credit: Unsplash
Salem is the capital of Oregon and one of the state's best vacation destinations. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, the city is rich with outdoor activities, diverse cuisine, and sites reflecting Oregon's history.
The Deepwood Estate, a mansion built in 1893, runs tours that share early Salem history. Explore the surrounding gardens at Deepwood or walk the many paths in Bush's Pasture Park to discover their lush plant life. The Willamette River that runs through Salem is a gorgeous spot to fish, kayak, or board the historic Willamette Queen steamboat for a dinner cruise.
Salem's charming downtown overflows with local coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants serving fresh fare and the best wines from the Willamette Valley. The Saturday Farmers Market near the state capitol serves up fresh produce alongside live music and food trucks.
Many bus services operate in Salem, including Jefferson Lines, FlixBus, Shuttle Oregon, and the Amtrak Thruway. Amtrak's Coast Starlight line also stops in Salem, heading to LA and Seattle, as well as the Cascades, going to Vancouver and Eugene, Oregon.
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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 Salem?
Main departure station: 500 13th St SE
There is one train station in Salem.
All train stations in Salem:
500 13th St SE
Where is the train station in San Francisco?
Image credit: 146109843@N05
Link to image attributionMain 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
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