The cheapest and fastest trains from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$885
Average price
$1002
Fastest journey
2 d 13 h 17 m
Average duration
2 d 13 h 25 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
3130 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA will cost around $1002 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $885.
It's difficult to get from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
8893 AMTRAK · 5 California Zephyr
51 Cardinal · 5 California Zephyr
8893 AMTRAK · 5 California Zephyr
51 Cardinal · 5 California ZephyrTravel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $161. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $161, and a train costs an average of $209.
Distance: 1944 miles (3130 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$683 Average price | $389 Average price | $373 Average price Cheapest |
58h 33m Average total duration 58h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57h 5m Average total duration 56h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 40m Average total duration Fastest 6h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Wednesday, February 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8893 AMTRAK · 5 California Zephyr | 11:40 AM Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN | 61h17 | 12:57 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Indianapolis, IN 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA
Trains from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 58h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $209 (€167) but you can travel from only $143 (€114) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 08:25. The fastest train covers the 1944 miles (3130 km) distance in 60h 47m.
Distance 1944 miles (3130 km) |
Average train duration 58h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $209 (€167) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 60h 47m |
First train 06:00 |
Last train 08:25 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Indianapolis, IN and San Francisco, CA from $143 (€114). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Indianapolis, IN 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available a few blocks away from the station.
- Harry & Izzy's
- St. Elmo Steak House
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union-Stn
- Omni Severin Hotel
- The Westin Indianapolis
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform for Amtrak's Cardinal line
- Bus: IndyGo routes available nearby
Most popular train connections from Indianapolis, IN
More options for your journey from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA
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