Cheap train tickets from Salem to San Francisco
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Salem to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Salem to San Francisco usually takes 20 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 17 hours and 41 minutes.
- Distance
- 496 mi (799 km)
- Fastest train
- 17h 41m
- Lowest price
- RON 512.50
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Salem to San Francisco Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Salem to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Salem to San Francisco?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Salem to San Francisco was RON 577.14. 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 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 372.46 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Salem to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Salem to San Francisco will cost between RON 471 and RON 873. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Salem to San Francisco by month
Ticket prices for the train from Salem 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 RON 568. If you're thinking of traveling from Salem to San Francisco during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 877 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 Salem to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 372.46 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Salem to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Salem to San Francisco. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 20h 15m | RON 820.12 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Salem to San Francisco every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 512.50.










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 15 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.
Distance (mi)
496
Distance (km)
799
The earliest train departs Salem at 9:57am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:39pm. 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
9:57am
Last train
3:39pm
Trains from Salem to San Francisco are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
Salem

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



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?
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 Salem?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Salem
- Salem to San Diego TrainRON 863+
- Salem to Medford TrainRON 508+
- Salem to Grants Pass TrainRON 619+
- Salem to Spokane TrainRON 429+
- Salem to Corvallis TrainRON 69+
- Salem to Reno TrainRON 771+
- Salem to Albany TrainRON 42+
- Salem to Las Vegas TrainRON 1,136+
- Salem to Oregon City TrainRON 42+
- Salem to Everett Train
- Salem to San Jose TrainRON 679+
- Salem to Pasco TrainRON 351+
- Salem to New York TrainRON 2,281+
- Salem, OR to Vancouver, WA TrainRON 69+
- Salem to Seattle TrainRON 185+
- Salem to Anaheim TrainRON 836+
- Salem to Portland TrainRON 51+
- Salem to Los Angeles TrainRON 785+
Continue by train from San Francisco
- San Francisco to Detroit TrainRON 1,708+
- San Francisco to Chico TrainRON 226+
- San Francisco to Fullerton TrainRON 263+
- San Francisco to Fairfield TrainRON 115+
- San Francisco to Sacramento TrainRON 175+
- San Francisco to Anaheim TrainRON 268+
- San Francisco to Santa Fe Train
- San Francisco to Washington DC TrainRON 2,142+
- San Francisco to Milwaukee TrainRON 1,408+
- San Francisco to Orlando TrainRON 2,738+
- San Francisco to Irvine TrainRON 277+
- San Francisco to Healdsburg TrainRON 152+
- San Francisco, CA to Ashland, OR TrainRON 531+
- San Francisco to Atlanta TrainRON 3,103+
- San Francisco to Santa Ana TrainRON 268+
- San Francisco to St Louis TrainRON 1,510+
- San Francisco to Los Angeles TrainRON 332+
Check out these popular routes
- Boston to Washington DC TrainRON 1,020+
- Los Angeles to San Francisco TrainRON 360+
- Chicago to Detroit TrainRON 351+
- Providence to Boston TrainRON 212+
- Québec City to Montreal TrainRON 222+
- Milwaukee to Chicago TrainRON 125+
- Boston to Providence TrainRON 245+
- San Francisco to Los Angeles TrainRON 332+
- Vancouver to Toronto TrainRON 2,452+
- Seattle to Portland TrainRON 199+
- Chicago to St Paul TrainRON 402+
- Chicago to Milwaukee TrainRON 125+
- Washington DC to Boston TrainRON 970+
- Montreal to Québec City TrainRON 254+
- Niagara Falls, NY to Toronto, ON TrainRON 203+
- St Paul to Chicago TrainRON 485+
- Ann Arbor to Chicago TrainRON 263+
- Miami to Tampa TrainRON 162+

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.




