Cheap train tickets from Milwaukee to San Francisco
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Milwaukee to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to San Francisco usually takes 62 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 56 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 1838 mi (2958 km) |
| Fastest train | 56h 35m |
| Lowest price | $294.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Milwaukee to San Francisco Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Milwaukee to San Francisco?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Milwaukee to San Francisco.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$529.18 | Avg. Price$429.15Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration62h 59m | Duration59h 49mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Milwaukee to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to San Francisco?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to San Francisco was $341.67. Considering the distance between Milwaukee 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 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $387.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to San Francisco will cost between $147 and $404. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to San Francisco by month
Ticket prices for the train from Milwaukee 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 $300. If you're thinking of traveling from Milwaukee to San Francisco during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $397 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 Milwaukee to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $387.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Milwaukee to San Francisco?
There are multiple trains that travel from Milwaukee to San Francisco, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 62h 59m | $529.18 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Milwaukee to San Francisco every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $294.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Milwaukee to San Francisco for $148.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Milwaukee and San Francisco is approximately 1838 miles, or 2958 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 62 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 56 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)
1838
DISTANCE (KM)
2958
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Milwaukee at 11:00am and arrives in San Francisco around 56 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
11:00am
LATEST TRAIN
4:45pm
Trains from Milwaukee 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
City Information
Milwaukee
Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.
Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.
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 does the train leave from in Milwaukee?
Main departure station: Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the major transportation hub for rail and bus travel in Wisconsin. The station is Amtrak’s second busiest in the Midwest. It acts as a gateway for long-distance travel into the American West and also connects Milwaukee to the surrounding Midwest states via the Hiawatha service. Renovated in 2007, the Intermodal Station now also offers a range of intercity bus services from carriers, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Local bus routes and The Hop streetcar service provide convenient local travel around Milwaukee. Located in the city’s downtown, The Intermodal Station has vast retail spaces, several museums, and pleasant waterways all on its doorstep.
All train stations in Milwaukee:
- Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
- Airport - 5601 S 6th St
Where does the train arrive 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 Milwaukee?
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