Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, Mar 19
+ Add return
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 20

Cheapest price

$314

Average price

$314

Fastest journey

2 d 13 h 41 m

Average duration

2 d 13 h 41 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

3359 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA will cost around $314 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $314.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Detroit, MI for San Francisco, CA on Fri, Mar 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Mar 20 the direct trains cover the 3359 km distance in an average of 2 d 13 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 13 h 41 m .

On Fri, Mar 20 the slowest trains will take 2 d 13 h 41 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
11:26AM61h41
Detroit, MI
01:07AMSan Francisco, CA
$3141One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $139. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $139, and a train costs an average of $178.

Distance: 2087 miles (3359 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

$552

Average price

$343

Average price

Cheapest

$375

Average price

58h 17m

Average total duration

57h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 47m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

62h 15m

Average total duration

61h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Thursday, March 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:17 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak11:26 AM Detroit, MI
76h44
4:10 PM 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 Detroit, MI 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.

Fri
Mar 20
Sat
Mar 21
Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26

Journey information

Overview: Train from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 57h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $178 (€145) but you can travel from only $139 (€114) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 2087 miles (3359 km) distance in 61h 31m.

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 $139 (€114)
Distance
2087 miles (3359 km)
Average train duration
57h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
$178 (€145)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
61h 31m
First train
06:26
Last train
21:41
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 $139 (€114)

Train companies: Amtrak from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Detroit, MI and San Francisco, CA from $139 (€114). 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
61h 31m
Cheapest Price
$178 (€145)
Amtrak frequency
3 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: Trains from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $178 (€145), while the average price is around $552 (€452).
The train from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA takes 61h 31m and runs 3 per day.
The distance by train from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA is 2087 miles (3359 km).
The first train from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 6:26 AM.
The last train from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 9:41 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA.
The train station in Detroit, MI that goes to San Francisco, CA is Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI, which connects to Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $139 (€114).
The train journey from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA offers scenic views, especially as it passes through diverse landscapes such as the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada. The changing scenery includes urban, rural, and natural beauty, providing a visually engaging travel experience.
A day trip from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 61h 31m with a distance of 2087 miles (3359 km). Trains operate 3 times per day.
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 Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA

Detroit
San Francisco
The major train station for departures in Detroit is Detroit Amtrak. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Detroit Amtrak for your trip from Detroit to San Francisco.
Detroit AmtrakWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available adjacent to the station.
Dining
Dining
  • Cuisine Restaurant
  • New Center Eatery
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel St. Regis
  • The Inn on Ferry Street
  • MotorCity Casino Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas
  • platforms are accessible via the main entrance.
Public transit options for Detroit Amtrak
  • QLine streetcar
  • Bus: Several lines available

More options for your journey from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA

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Most popular trains to and from San Francisco, CA and Detroit, MI

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