Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, 14 Aug
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SNCF | TGV INOUI
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Trenitalia
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for 14 Aug

Cheapest price

231S$

Average price

231S$

Fastest journey

18 h 17 m

Average duration

18 h 17 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

964 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA will cost around 231S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 231S$.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Salt Lake City, UT for San Francisco, CA every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 964 km distance in an average of 18 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 17 m .

The slowest trains will take 18 h 17 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Amtrak5 California Zephyr
    11:40 PM18h17
    Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT
    4:57 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA
    231 S$1One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 97S$. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 97S$, and a flight costs an average of 108S$.

Distance: 964 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

277S$

Average Price

390S$

Average Price

215S$

Average Price

Cheapest

18h 44m

Average total duration

18h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 22m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

17h 23m

Average total duration

16h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Thursday, 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak5 California Zephyr11:40 PM Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT
18h17
4:57 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug

Journey information

Overview: Train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA

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Trains from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 18h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 102S$ but you can travel from only 97S$ by coach.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:40, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 964 km distance in 18h 17m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 97S$
Distance
964 km
Average train duration
18h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
102S$
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
18h 17m
First train
2:40 AM
Last train
11:49 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
77 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 97S$

Train companies: Amtrak from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA from 97S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
18h 17m
Cheapest Price
102S$
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as 102S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA is 277S$; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA is 18h 17m to travel the 964 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA leaves at 2:40 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:49 pm.
Yes, there are 1 direct trains a day from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA, you can count on Amtrak for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from Salt Lake City, UT is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 18h 17m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA including taking a coach, train and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA

Most Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA trains use the Salt Lake Central Station to Emeryville Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Salt Lake City
Arrival train stations in San Francisco

Which Salt Lake City, UT station do trains to San Francisco, CA leave from?

Trains from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA leave from Salt Lake Central Station. The station is 1 km from Salt Lake City, UT city centre at 250 South 600 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA.
Salt Lake Central Station250 South 600 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA+1 801-743-3882LockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Salt Lake Central Station from Salt Lake City city centre

Salt Lake Central Station is 1 km from Salt Lake City city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus2, 209, 220 · 6m · 5S$ · every ~17 min
Tram701 · 13m · 3S$ · every ~8 min
701 · 15m · 3S$ · every ~8 min

Salt Lake Central Station train station facilities and services

Salt Lake Central Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Gateway, Red Iguana

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Salt Lake Central Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Salt Lake Central Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Salt Lake Central Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Salt Lake Central Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Salt Lake Central Station: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown, Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown.

Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Salt Lake City, UT

HomeTrainsSalt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA train

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