- Must visit
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
World-renowned museum spanning ancient to modern art. Highlights include masterworks, global collections, and the dramatic Fifth Avenue setting.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to New York, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $115. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 45m. 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 $115, and a train costs an average of $248.
Distance: 2565 miles (4129 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$959 Average price | $325 Average price Cheapest | $413 Average price |
73h 9m Average total duration 72h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 45m Average total duration Fastest 5h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 72h 54m Average total duration 72h 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.
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to New York, NY:
A flight is $88 (€73) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Francisco, CA to New York, NY costing on average $413 (€341).
A flight is $633 (€522) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to New York, NY costing on average $959 (€790).
Other travel options to New York, NY take longer:
Bus takes on average 72h 24m.
Train takes on average 72h 39m.
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to New York, NY trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 50 Cardinal | 7:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 84h23 | 10:23 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 2 transfers | |
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 48 Lake Shore Limited | 7:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 80h42 | 6:42 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 2 transfers | |
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian | 7:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 78h50 | 4:50 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3 transfers | |
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 50 Cardinal · 66 Northeast Regional | 7:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 91h11 | 5:11 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3 transfers | |
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 48 Lake Shore Limited · 68 Adirondack | 7:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 84h15 | 10:15 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3 transfers | |
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 41 Floridian · 178 Northeast Regional | 7:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 81h24 | 7:24 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3 transfers | |
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 New York, NY run on average 8 times per day, taking around 72h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $248 (€205) but you can travel from only $115 (€94) 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 77h 35m.
Distance 2565 miles (4129 km) |
Average train duration 72h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $248 (€205) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 77h 35m |
First train 6:40 AM |
Last train 10:16 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of New York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New York trip today.
World-renowned museum spanning ancient to modern art. Highlights include masterworks, global collections, and the dramatic Fifth Avenue setting.
Leading museum of modern and contemporary art, home to influential works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and many others.
Major American art museum inside a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. Its spiral galleries make the building itself part of the experience.
Vast urban park with lakes, meadows, museums, and scenic paths. It is the city’s classic outdoor escape and a true must-see.
Elevated park built on a former rail line, offering gardens, public art, and fresh perspectives on the West Side.
Bright, busy crossroads famous for giant screens, theaters, and nonstop energy. It is overwhelming, iconic, and quintessentially New York.
A thin, foldable slice with crisp crust and tangy tomato sauce. It is the city’s iconic fast meal, shaped by generations of neighborhood pizzerias.
A hand-rolled boiled and baked bagel, often topped with cream cheese and lox. New York water and long-standing bagel shops made it a city staple.
Salt-cured beef steamed until tender, usually served on rye with mustard. It is a classic Jewish deli sandwich strongly tied to New York food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant highlighting contemporary American cuisine with refined tasting menus. Elegant setting and one of the city’s landmark tables.
Legendary coal-oven pizzeria serving classic New York pies in a casual, bustling setting. A long-standing favorite for an old-school slice experience.
Historic Jewish deli famed for towering pastrami sandwiches and classic counter service. Busy, traditional, and deeply tied to Lower East Side food culture.
Very high costs for hotels, dining, and attractions; transit is moderate, but overall NYC is pricier than most US and global city breaks.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis: 15-20%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2 for drinks.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to New York, 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 New York, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Francisco, CA to New York, NY trains use the Emeryville Station to Penn Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and New York, NY train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Penn Station is 4 km from New York city centre. Public transport options include:
Penn Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 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
Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00. Information desks are located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
Luggage storage is baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall. .
Available at Penn Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Penn Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penn Station: Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
Nearby hotels include The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea, Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need