Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

Wed, Feb 25
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for Feb 26

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.

Amtrak8893 AMTRAK · 5 California Zephyr
06:40AM61h17
Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN
04:57PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA
$8851One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak51 Cardinal · 5 California Zephyr
06:25AM61h32
Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN
04:57PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA
$11191One-way
1 transfer

Travel 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*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

American Airlines

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.

Last updated at 10:42 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak8893 AMTRAK · 5 California Zephyr11:40 AM Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN
61h17
12:57 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA1 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.

Thu
Feb 26
Fri
Feb 27
Sat
Feb 28
Sun
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Mar 04

Journey information

Overview: Train from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA

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Icon of train

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.

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
Bus from $143 (€114)
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
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
Bus from $143 (€114)

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

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
60h 47m
Cheapest Price
$209 (€167)
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: 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $209 (€167), while the average price is around $683 (€544).
The train from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA runs once a day and takes approximately 60h 47m.
The distance by train from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA is 1944 miles (3130 km).
The first train from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA leaves at 6:00 AM.
The last train from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA leaves at 8:25 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA.
The train station in Indianapolis, IN that goes to San Francisco, CA is Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN, which connects to Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $143 (€114).
The train journey from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA offers diverse scenery, including rolling Midwestern landscapes, the expansive plains, and the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, making it a visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 60h 47m and the distance is 1944 miles (3130 km). Additionally, the frequency of trips per day is 2 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 Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA

Indianapolis
San Francisco
The major train station for departures in Indianapolis is Indianapolis Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Indianapolis Station for your trip from Indianapolis to San Francisco.
Indianapolis StationWifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available a few blocks away from the station.
Dining
Dining
  • Harry & Izzy's
  • St. Elmo Steak House
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • Free for passengers
Hotel
Hotel
  • Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union-Stn
  • Omni Severin Hotel
  • The Westin Indianapolis
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform for Amtrak's Cardinal line
Public transit options for Indianapolis Station
  • Bus: IndyGo routes available nearby

Most popular trains to and from San Francisco, CA and Indianapolis, IN

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