- Must visit
The Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center
Modern museum gallery displaying Alamo artifacts and interpretation beside the historic mission site. A strong companion visit for understanding the 1836 battle and Texas history.
Cheapest price
$788
Average price
$788
Fastest journey
3 d 13 h 46 m
Average duration
3 d 13 h 46 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2394 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX 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 San Antonio, TX will cost around $788 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $788.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX without transferring at least 3 times.
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 5521 AMTRAK · 21 Texas Eagle
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 5521 AMTRAK · 21 Texas EagleOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $125. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $125, and a train costs an average of $285.
Distance: 1487 miles (2394 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$1077 Average price | $411 Average price | $311 Average price Cheapest | $345 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
48h 2m Average total duration 47h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 49h 7m Average total duration 48h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 25h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX:
A bus is $100 (€82) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX costing on average $411 (€336).
A bus is $766 (€626) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX costing on average $1077 (€880).
Other travel options to San Antonio, TX take longer:
Train takes on average 47h 32m.
Bus takes on average 48h 37m.
Tickets start at around $1077 (€880) compared to roughly $345 (€281) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-732.67 (€-598.53). The journey takes 47h 32m versus 25h 5m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 5521 AMTRAK · 21 Texas Eagle | 7:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 85h46 | 10:46 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 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 San Antonio, TX run on average 3 times per day, taking around 47h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $285 (€233) but you can travel from only $125 (€102) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:45, the last at 10:28. The fastest train covers the 1487 miles (2394 km) distance in 43h 30m.
Distance 1487 miles (2394 km) |
Average train duration 47h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $285 (€233) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 43h 30m |
First train 1:45 AM |
Last train 10:28 AM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of San Antonio — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Antonio trip today.
Modern museum gallery displaying Alamo artifacts and interpretation beside the historic mission site. A strong companion visit for understanding the 1836 battle and Texas history.
Major art museum with collections spanning ancient Mediterranean works, Asian art, Latin American art, and contemporary pieces in a historic brewery complex.
Leading regional museum focused on Texas history, natural science, and South Texas heritage, with engaging family-friendly exhibits and strong local context.
The city’s signature pedestrian waterfront lined with bridges, public art, and walking paths. It is the most recognizable area in San Antonio.
Large public square and cultural district known for Mexican-American heritage, shops, events, and festive open-air atmosphere.
Trendy mixed-use district in a former brewery area, popular for architecture, river access, and stylish public spaces.
A San Antonio specialty made with freshly fried, puffed corn tortilla shells filled with picadillo, chicken, or beans, then topped with lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
Slow-cooked beef, traditionally served very tender on weekends in tacos with onion, cilantro, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most beloved breakfast foods.
A daily staple in San Antonio, usually made with flour or corn tortillas filled with eggs, beans, potato, bacon, chorizo, or cheese.
Well-regarded upscale restaurant serving refined New American cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed setting south of Downtown.
Popular casual spot famous for oversized breakfast tacos, donuts, and classic San Antonio morning fare.
Iconic Market Square institution known for classic Tex-Mex, bakery items, mariachi atmosphere, and colorful decor.
Generally moderate for U.S. city travel. Budget eats are easy to find, while hotels and attractions vary by season and area.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff a few USD.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX 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 Antonio, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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