The cheapest and fastest trains from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$666
Average price
$823
Fastest journey
3 d 4 h 17 m
Average duration
3 d 9 h 29 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
4129 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New York, NY 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 New York, NY to San Francisco, CA will cost around $823 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $666.
It's difficult to get from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 5 California Zephyr
141 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 5 California Zephyr
51 Cardinal · 5 California Zephyr
49 Lake Shore Limited · 5 California Zephyr
51 Cardinal · 3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight
49 Lake Shore Limited · 5 California Zephyr
49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 5 California Zephyr
141 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 5 California Zephyr
51 Cardinal · 5 California ZephyrTravel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for New York, NY to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €97. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.2 - 3.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €97, and a train costs an average of €324.
Distance: 2565 miles (4129 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€605 Average price | €339 Average price Cheapest | €373 Average price |
75h 9m Average total duration 74h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 51m Average total duration Fastest 6h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 71h 54m Average total duration 71h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.2 - 3.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 12.4 - 24.8kg CO2 emissions | 4.1 - 10.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
New York, NY to San Francisco, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for New York, NY to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:40 PM New York, NY | 76h17 | 11:57 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 19 | |||||
51 Cardinal · 5 California Zephyr | 11:40 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 85h17 | 12:57 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
51 Cardinal · 3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight | 11:45 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 89h52 | 5:37 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 2 transfers | |
141 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 5 California Zephyr | 1:10 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 83h47 | 12:57 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 2 transfers | |
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 5 California Zephyr | 3:52 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 81h05 | 12:57 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets New York, NY 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.
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
How far in advance should I book train tickets from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA?
Journey information
Overview: Train from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA
Trains from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 74h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $400 (€324) but you can travel from only $120 (€97) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:40, the last at 22:16. The fastest train covers the 2565 miles (4129 km) distance in 76h 17m.
Distance 2565 miles (4129 km) |
Average train duration 74h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $400 (€324) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 76h 17m |
First train 06:40 |
Last train 22:16 |
Train companies: Amtrak from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between New York, NY and San Francisco, CA from $120 (€97). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New York, NY 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 New York, NY to San Francisco, CA
- Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall.
- Baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall.
- Blue Bottle Coffee
- Magnolia Bakery
- Starbucks
- The Pennsy Food Hall
- Nick + Stef's Steakhouse
- Penn & Sushi
- Krispy Kreme Donuts
- T.G.I. Friday's
- NY Pizza Suprema
- Blarney Stone
- & many more
- Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
- The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea
- Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street
- Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00
- Located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
- Subway lines: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E
- Bus lines: M7, M20
- Train lines: Acela, Adirondack, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf, Northeast Regional, Pennsylvanian, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter, PATH, New Jersey Transit, Long Island Railroad, AirTrain Newark, AirTrain JFK
Most popular train connections from New York, NY
More options for your journey from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


