- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Cheapest price
$102
Average price
$102
Fastest journey
8 h 58 m
Average duration
8 h 58 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
579 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barstow, CA 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 Barstow, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $102 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $102.
Of the 1 trains that leave Barstow, CA for San Francisco, CA on Tue, Aug 18, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 18 the direct trains cover the 579 km distance in an average of 8 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 58 m .
On Tue, Aug 18 the slowest trains will take 8 h 58 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barstow, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $132. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 12h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $132, and a train costs an average of $216.
Distance: 359 miles (579 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$216 Average price | $132 Average price Cheapest | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 3m Average total duration 17h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 19m Average total duration Fastest 12h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Barstow, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $84 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barstow, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $216.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 17h 33m.
Tickets start at around $216 compared to roughly $85 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-130.69. The journey takes 17h 33m versus 7h 36m 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.
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Barstow, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 17h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $216 but you can travel from only $132 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:43, the last at 22:35. The fastest train covers the 359 miles (579 km) distance in 17h 33m.
Distance 359 miles (579 km) |
Average train duration 17h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $216 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 17h 33m |
First train 3:43 AM |
Last train 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barstow, CA 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.

Most Barstow, CA to San Francisco, CA trains use the Barstow Station to Emeryville Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Barstow, CA and San Francisco, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Barstow Station has practical services for this route, including Dining and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Barstow Station.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barstow Station.
Barstow, RS Barstow Travel Ctr is 2 km from Barstow city centre. Public transport options include:
Barstow, RS Barstow Travel Ctr has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shops in the station.
Free Wi-Fi available in the station area. ATMs are aTM located next to the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Barstow, RS Barstow Travel Ctr.
Available at Barstow, RS Barstow Travel Ctr: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barstow, RS Barstow Travel Ctr: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need