- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$120
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 $120 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 $64. 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 $64, and a flight costs an average of $155.
Distance: 377 miles (608 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$68 Average price Cheapest | $102 Average price | $341 Average price | $91 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 $34 (€28) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $102 (€84).
A train is $273 (€225) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $341 (€281).
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 $68 (€56) compared to roughly $91 (€75) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $23 (€19). 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, Saturday, July 11. 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 | |
| Sunday, July 12 | |||||
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 20 times per day, taking around 11h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€53) but you can travel from only $51 (€42) 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 15m.
Distance 377 miles (608 km) |
Average train duration 11h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€53) |
Trains per day 20 |
Fastest train 11h 15m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
Hands-on science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
Leading fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, known for American art, textiles, and its observation tower.
Busy waterfront district known for classic San Francisco atmosphere, bay views, piers, and easy access to major sights.
Famous crooked block with steep curves, manicured gardens, and one of the city's most photographed street scenes.
Huge urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking and cycling routes across the western city.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, typically filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
San Francisco’s famous tangy sourdough loaf, shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture and long baking tradition.
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, usually packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-fashioned hospitality and a lively, upscale supper-club feel.
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a simple, always-busy casual atmosphere.
Historic seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and cioppino ingredients in a classic old-school San Francisco setting.
Prices are high for hotels, dining, parking, and taxes. Budget options exist, but overall costs rank among the highest in the US.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotels: USD 2-5 for porters, USD 3-5 daily for housekeeping.
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.

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