Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Philadelphia to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to San Francisco usually takes 80 hours and 12 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance: 2517 mi (4050 km)
Fastest train: 80h 12m
Lowest price: NOK 6,498.03
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Philadelphia to San Francisco Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

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

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to San Francisco.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceNOK 7,188.78	Avg. PriceNOK 4,002.28Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips1	Daily Trips1
Duration	Duration80h 12mFaster	Duration83h 53m

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

Amtrak tickets: NOK 6,498 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to San Francisco was NOK 6,498.03. Considering the distance between Philadelphia and San Francisco, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 1,501.01 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to San Francisco will cost between NOK 2,109 and NOK 6,090. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to San Francisco by month

Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only NOK 3,952. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to San Francisco during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 5,396 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 1,501.01 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to San Francisco. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	80h 12m	NOK 7,188.82

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

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Philadelphia. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Philadelphia to San Francisco for NOK 2,056.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Philadelphia and San Francisco is approximately 2517 miles, or 4050 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 80 hours and 12 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)

2517

Distance (km)

4050

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Philadelphia at 12:33pm and arrives in San Francisco around 80 hours later.

First train

12:33pm

Last train

12:33pm

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

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Philadelphia

We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?

Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.

Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.

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 Philadelphia?

Main departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

There is one train station in Philadelphia.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

30th St Station - 2955 Market St

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 Philadelphia?

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