Cheap train tickets from Vancouver to San Francisco
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Vancouver to San Francisco Train Schedule
Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Vancouver to San Francisco. The train trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is usually about 21 hours and 7 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 20 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 543 mi (875 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 5m |
| Lowest price | PLN 352.61 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver to San Francisco?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Vancouver, WA to San Francisco, CA was PLN 466.85. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Vancouver and San Francisco. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Francisco if you book your train tickets at least 25 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra PLN 158.64.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to San Francisco by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Vancouver to San Francisco will range from PLN 389 to PLN 810. If you're planning to travel by train to San Francisco in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Vancouver you can find in the next 7 days is PLN 389. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to San Francisco by month
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Vancouver to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about PLN 158.64 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Vancouver to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Vancouver 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 | 21h 7m | PLN 643.59 |
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 Vancouver to San Francisco every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from PLN 353.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Vancouver to San Francisco
The distance between Vancouver and San Francisco is approximately 543 miles, or 875 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 5 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Vancouver to San Francisco on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Vancouver at 11:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver.
City Information
Vancouver
Image credit: Unsplash
Vancouver sits on the northern banks of the Columbia River in Washington and is the state's fourth most populated city. The surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible Pacific Northwest adventures. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, two snow-topped volcanoes, are within short drives of Vancouver for easy access to hikes and ski runs. Beacon Rock State Park includes a trail to the summit of a monolithic rock formation. Plus, the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the best destinations in Washington for breathtaking scenery.
Vancouver is located just across the Columbia from Portland, and Interstates 5 and 205 have north to south bridges connecting Portland to Vancouver. Within the city, you will find Vancouver's mass transit system, C-Tran, to get around with ease.
Several Amtrak services operate from Vancouver, including the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades routes. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Portland International Airport, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
Main departure station: 1301 W 11th St
There are two stations in Vancouver where you can board the train to San Francisco.
All train stations in Vancouver:
1301 W 11th St
Portland International Airport
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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Need a return trip from San Francisco to Vancouver?
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