- Must visit
New York State Museum
Large state history, science, and art museum with notable exhibits on New York’s natural and cultural heritage.
Cheapest price
$642
Average price
$642
Fastest journey
3 d 3 h 28 m
Average duration
3 d 3 h 28 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
4110 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY will cost around $642 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $642.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Francisco, CA for Albany, NY on Fri, Jul 10, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct trains cover the 4110 km distance in an average of 3 d 3 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 d 3 h 28 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest trains will take 3 d 3 h 28 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $229. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $229, and a train costs an average of $366.
Distance: 2553 miles (4110 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$931 Average price | $497 Average price | $299 Average price Cheapest |
69h 22m Average total duration 68h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 44m Average total duration Fastest 8h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 84h 42m Average total duration 84h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY:
A bus is $199 (€163) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY costing on average $497 (€409).
A bus is $633 (€520) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY costing on average $931 (€766).
Other travel options to Albany, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 68h 52m.
Bus takes on average 84h 12m.
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 75h28 | 6:53 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY run on average 6 times per day, taking around 68h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $366 (€301) but you can travel from only $229 (€188) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:00, the last at 19:33. The fastest train covers the 2553 miles (4110 km) distance in 75h 28m.
Distance 2553 miles (4110 km) |
Average train duration 68h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $366 (€301) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 75h 28m |
First train 7:00 AM |
Last train 7:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Albany — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Albany trip today.
Large state history, science, and art museum with notable exhibits on New York’s natural and cultural heritage.
One of the oldest museums in the United States, known for Hudson River School paintings and regional history collections.
Historic World War II destroyer escort ship museum offering insight into naval life and wartime history.
Vast government plaza with modernist architecture, fountains, memorials, and one of Albany’s most photographed settings.
Historic urban park with walking paths, monuments, and seasonal color, especially popular during tulip season.
Lively, walkable corridor known for local culture, historic buildings, and a strong neighborhood atmosphere.
Large, foldable slices with a thin yet chewy crust, a staple across Upstate New York and a classic everyday food in Albany.
Crispy chicken wings tossed in spicy butter-based sauce, a New York State icon commonly found on Albany pub and sports-bar menus.
Fried mozzarella served with sweet raspberry Melba sauce, a Capital Region favorite strongly associated with Albany-area Italian-American dining.
An established fine-dining restaurant known for elegant Indonesian-inspired and New American cuisine, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
A long-running local favorite for regional Italian cooking, handmade pasta, and an intimate, old-school atmosphere.
A historic Albany institution specializing in oysters, seafood, and classic American fare in a traditional downtown setting.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and fine dining vary by season and location.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20% for strong service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 1-5, and round up for coffee only if desired.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY 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 Albany, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY trains use the Emeryville Station to Albany-Rensselaer Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Albany, NY train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need