- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$112
Fastest journey
11 h 15 m
Average duration
12 h 31 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
608 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Ana, CA 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $112 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
It's difficult to get from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK
5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 5719 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 6619 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAK
5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 5719 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 6619 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $61. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $61, and a flight costs an average of $129.
Distance: 377 miles (608 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price Cheapest | $106 Average price | $212 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 42m Average total duration 11h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 8m Average total duration 10h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $36 (€29) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $106 (€85).
A train is $142 (€114) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $212 (€170).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 38m.
Train takes on average 11h 12m.
Tickets start at around $70 (€56) compared to roughly $94 (€76) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $24 (€20). The journey takes 11h 12m versus 6h 40m 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:04 PM Santa Ana, CA | 11h56 | 3:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:04 PM Santa Ana, CA | 11h56 | 4:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK | 12:15 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 11h15 | 11:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 11h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $59 (€47) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 377 miles (608 km) distance in 11h 56m.
Distance 377 miles (608 km) |
Average train duration 11h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€49) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 11h 56m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, CA 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.

Most Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA trains use the Santa Ana Station to San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Ana, CA and San Francisco, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Ana Station is 1 km from Santa Ana city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Ana Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant, Chapter One: the modern local
Ticket office support is available at Santa Ana Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Ana Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Ana Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Ana Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Ana Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana, Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants are accessible in the vicinity.
WiFi available at surrounding public areas. ATMs are aTMs available in nearby buildings.
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank).
Available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Station is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need