Cheap train tickets from Houston to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Houston to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Houston to San Francisco usually takes 63 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 48 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance
1642 mi (2643 km)
Fastest train
48h 35m
Lowest price
$223.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Houston to San Francisco Train Schedule

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

There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from Houston to San Francisco.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$422.95CheaperAvg. Price$445.69
Daily Trips3Daily Trips6
Duration63h 1mDuration50h 30mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Houston to San Francisco?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Houston to San Francisco was $376.90. Considering the distance between Houston 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 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $91.19 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

$675$450$225AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Houston to San Francisco will cost between $303 and $675. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Houston to San Francisco by month

$500$400$300$200$100JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Houston 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 $376. If you're thinking of traveling from Houston to San Francisco during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $496 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$475$380$285$190$9501020

By booking your train trip from Houston to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $91.19 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Houston to San Francisco?

There are multiple trains that travel from Houston to San Francisco, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak363h 1m$422.95
  • 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 Houston to San Francisco every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $223.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

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

There are 3 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 Houston. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Houston to San Francisco for $179.

TRIPS PER DAY

3

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The distance between Houston and San Francisco is approximately 1642 miles, or 2643 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 63 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 48 hours and 35 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)

1642

DISTANCE (KM)

2643

The earliest train departs Houston at 1:05pm while the last train of the day leaves at 6:55pm. 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

1:05pm

LATEST TRAIN

6:55pm

Trains from Houston to San Francisco are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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

Wednesday

LEAST CROWDED

Thursday

City Information

Houston

Houston, TX - HOU-0Houston, TX - HOU-1Houston, TX - HOU-2

Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.

As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0San Francisco, CA - SFO-1San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

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 Houston?

Main departure station: 902 Washington Ave

902 Washington Ave - HOUAMT-0

The Amtrak Station on Washington Avenue is a key stop on the Sunset Limited train route that runs from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Restrooms, vending machines, and checked baggage services are available inside the waiting room of the station. There is also plenty of free same-day and overnight parking onsite. Downtown Houston is within a quick walk, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the nearby Theater District, Civic Center, and Skyline District.

All train stations in Houston:

  • 902 Washington Ave

Where does the train arrive in San Francisco?

Main arrival station: San Francisco, California

Salesforce Plaza - SFOBLT-0

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 Houston?

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