Cheap Trains from New York City to San Francisco

Cheapest dates for New York - San Francisco train tickets

  • any
  • November 2026
  • December 2026
  • January 2027
  • February 2027
  • March 2027
  • April 2027
  • May 2027
  • June 2027
  • July 2027
  • August 2027
  • September 2027
  • October 2027
  • popularity
  • price
  • arrival city
$1,115
Amtrakoutward: Nov 19, 2026
2 stops (77h05m)
Amtrak
Amtrakinbound: Nov 25, 2026
3 stops (78h43m)
Amtrak
$1,163
Amtrakoutward: Dec 1, 2026
2 stops (77h05m)
Amtrak
Amtrakinbound: Dec 31, 2026
3 stops (91h11m)
Amtrak
$1,165
Amtrakoutward: Dec 1, 2026
2 stops (77h05m)
Amtrak
Amtrakinbound: Dec 31, 2026
3 stops (91h11m)
Amtrak
$1,183
Amtrakoutward: Nov 19, 2026
2 stops (77h05m)
Amtrak
Amtrakinbound: Nov 26, 2026
2 stops (84h13m)
Amtrak
$1,183
Amtrakoutward: Nov 19, 2026
2 stops (77h05m)
Amtrak
Amtrakinbound: Nov 26, 2026
2 stops (84h13m)
Amtrak
$1,183
Amtrakoutward: Nov 19, 2026
2 stops (77h05m)
Amtrak
Amtrakinbound: Nov 26, 2026
2 stops (84h13m)
Amtrak
$1,276
Amtrakoutward: Nov 20, 2026
2 stops (77h05m)
Amtrak
Amtrakinbound: Nov 26, 2026
2 stops (84h13m)
Amtrak
$1,279
Amtrakoutward: Nov 20, 2026
2 stops (77h05m)
Amtrak
Amtrakinbound: Nov 26, 2026
2 stops (84h13m)
Amtrak
$1,280
Amtrakoutward: Nov 20, 2026
2 stops (77h05m)
Amtrak
Amtrakinbound: Nov 26, 2026
2 stops (84h13m)
Amtrak
Return
Departure

Travel guide New York–San Francisco

Information

What train companies operate the route from New York City to San Francisco?

This route is operated primarily by Amtrak (Lake Shore Limited through Chicago, and California Zephyr to Richmond, CA), with a small local portion operated by Bay Area Rapid Transit (Richmond - Daly City/Millbrae service).

What is the schedule for the train route from New York City to San Francisco?

Trains typically depart at 3:40 PM.

What are the departure and arrival train stations for the route from New York City to San Francisco?

Trains depart from New York City at Pennsylvania Station, and buses arrive in San Francisco at Temporary Transbay Terminal.

What distance is the train route from New York City to San Francisco?

The distance traveled is approximately 3,000 miles.

How long does it take to travel from New York City to San Francisco by train?

The listed overall travel time is 3 days 4 hours.

What are the stops on the train route from New York City to San Francisco?

After leaving Pennsylvania Station in New York, the Lake Shore Limited train will take passengers to Union Station in Chicago, at which point passengers transfer to the California Zephyr train. The California Zephyr service takes passengers to Richmond Station, at which point passengers transfer to the Richmond-Daly City/Millbrae bus. This bus takes passengers to the final destination.

Why should you travel by train from New York City to San Francisco?

Taking the train from New York to San Francisco is an epic journey all the way across the USA, and there are many interesting sites to see along the way, most notably in the western portions of the journey.

What is there to see and do in San Francisco?

Popular attractions in San Francisco include tours of Alcatraz Island (a former prison, featured in many movies), the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf (a popular destination with seafood, museums, and stores), Union Square (a popular place to relax), and Chinatown.