Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, May 28
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for May 29

Cheapest price

$2316

Average price

$2316

Fastest journey

3 d 52 m

Average duration

3 d 52 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

4110 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA will cost around $2316 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $2316.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Albany, NY for San Francisco, CA on Fri, May 29, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, May 29 the direct trains cover the 4110 km distance in an average of 3 d 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 d 52 m .

On Fri, May 29 the slowest trains will take 3 d 52 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.

  • Amtrak
    12:05 AM72h52
    Albany, NY
    12:57 AMSan Francisco, CA
    $23161One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $232. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $232, and a train costs an average of $237.

Distance: 2553 miles (4110 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus
Driving

$713

Average price

$436

Average price

$270

Average price

Cheapest

$683

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

69h 24m

Average total duration

68h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

7h 17m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

81h 24m

Average total duration

80h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

42h 58m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA is a bus with an average price of $270 (€218).

This is compared to other travel options from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA:

A bus is $165 (€133) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA costing on average $436 (€352).

A bus is $443 (€358) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA costing on average $713 (€576).

The fastest way to travel from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 7h 17m.

Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 68h 54m.

Bus takes on average 80h 54m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Albany, NY and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $713 (€576) compared to roughly $683 (€552) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.96 (€-24.18). The journey takes 68h 54m versus 42h 58m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak449 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner7:05 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY
75h51
7:56 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA3 transfers
Amtrak49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner7:05 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY
75h51
7:56 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA3 transfers
Thursday, May 28
Amtrak12:05 AM Albany, NY
72h52
12:57 AM San Francisco, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, 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.

Thu
May 28
Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03

Journey information

Overview: Train from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 68h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $237 (€192) but you can travel from only $138 (€112) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 06:46, the last at 19:05. The fastest train covers the 2553 miles (4110 km) distance in 72h 52m.

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
Flight from $138 (€112)
Distance
2553 miles (4110 km)
Average train duration
68h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$237 (€192)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
72h 52m
First train
6:46 AM
Last train
7:05 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
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
Flight from $138 (€112)

Train companies: Amtrak from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Albany, NY and San Francisco, CA from $138 (€112). 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
72h 52m
Cheapest Price
$237 (€192)
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: Trains from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Albany, NY 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
Train ticket prices from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $237 (€192), while the average price is around $713 (€576).
The train from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA takes 72h 52m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA is 2553 miles (4110 km).
The first train from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA leaves at 6:46 AM.
The last train from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA leaves at 7:05 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA.
The train station in Albany, NY that goes to San Francisco, CA is Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY, which connects to Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $138 (€112).
The train journey from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA is considered scenic, offering views of diverse landscapes such as the rolling hills of New York, the Great Lakes region, the open plains of the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada before reaching the coastal scenery of California.
A day trip from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 72h 52m and the distance is 2553 miles (4110 km). Additionally, the frequency of trips per day is 8 for trains.
In San Francisco, CA, you can ride a cable car through steep streets, explore vibrant murals in the Mission District, and visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum. Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero for views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace. Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley. Key sights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and Chinatown, each offering unique experiences from panoramic views to vibrant culture and cuisine.
Three to four days in San Francisco, CA, allows you to explore major attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, while also enjoying some of the city's renowned dining and cultural experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA.
Since neither Albany, NY nor San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from San Francisco, CA include Davis, CA, San Jose, CA, Stockton, CA, Santa Clara, CA, West Sacramento, CA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Albany, NY to San Francisco, CA

Albany
San Francisco
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
information

Most popular trains to and from San Francisco, CA and Albany, NY

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Francisco, CAAlbany, NY to San Francisco, CA train

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