Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

Wed, Feb 25
+ Add return
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for Feb 25

Cheapest price

$554

Average price

$554

Fastest journey

2 d 8 h 45 m

Average duration

2 d 8 h 45 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

2958 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA will cost around $554 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $554.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Milwaukee, WI for San Francisco, CA on Wed, Feb 25, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Feb 25 the direct trains cover the 2958 km distance in an average of 2 d 8 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 8 h 45 m .

On Wed, Feb 25 the slowest trains will take 2 d 8 h 45 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
05:00PM56h45
Milwaukee, WI
01:45AMSan Francisco, CA
$5541One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $223. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 9h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $223, and a flight costs an average of $141.

Distance: 1838 miles (2958 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

$335

Average price

Cheapest

$432

Average price

$365

Average price

57h 9m

Average total duration

56h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

9h 47m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

59h 16m

Average total duration

58h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Tuesday, February 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:05 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak334 Hiawatha Service · 5 California Zephyr · 5005 AMTRAK5:00 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI
56h45
1:45 AM San Francisco, CA2 transfers
amtrak27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 5011 AMTRAK10:45 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI
66h35
5:20 PM San Francisco, CA2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Milwaukee, WI 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.

Wed
Feb 25
Thu
Feb 26
Fri
Feb 27
Sat
Feb 28
Sun
Mar 01
Mon
Mar 02
Tue
Mar 03

Journey information

Overview: Train from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 56h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $223 (€178) but you can travel from only $141 (€112) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 07:00, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 1838 miles (2958 km) distance in 56h 45m.

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 $141 (€112)
Distance
1838 miles (2958 km)
Average train duration
56h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
$223 (€178)
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
56h 45m
First train
07:00
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 $141 (€112)

Train companies: Amtrak from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Milwaukee, WI and San Francisco, CA from $141 (€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
56h 45m
Cheapest Price
$223 (€178)
Amtrak frequency
4 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $223 (€178), while the average price is around $335 (€267).
The train from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA takes 56h 45m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA is 1838 miles (2958 km).
The first train from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 7:00 AM.
The last train from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 9:41 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
The train station in Milwaukee, WI that goes to San Francisco, CA is Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI, which connects to Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $141 (€112).
The train journey from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA is quite scenic, offering views of diverse landscapes such as the rolling hills of Wisconsin, the expansive plains of the Midwest, the rugged Rocky Mountains, and the picturesque Sierra Nevada before arriving in the vibrant city of San Francisco.
A day trip from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 56h 45m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit. The distance is 1838 miles (2958 km), and the journey frequency is 4 per day 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA

Milwaukee
San Francisco
The major train station for departures in Milwaukee is Milwaukee Intermodal Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Milwaukee Intermodal Station for your trip from Milwaukee to San Francisco.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 24 hours Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
8
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 24/7 with access from St. Paul Avenue.
Dining
Dining
  • Milwaukee ChopHouse
  • The Capital Grille
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton Milwaukee City Center
  • Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
  • The Pfister Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak ticketing and waiting area
  • Hall 2: intercity bus services
Public transit options for Milwaukee Intermodal Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Amtrak: Hiawatha Service to Chicago
Airport Amtrak StationAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
11 km

Most popular trains to and from San Francisco, CA and Milwaukee, WI

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