- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $80. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $80, and a flight costs an average of $175.
Distance: 338 miles (545 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$81 Average price Cheapest | $188 Average price | $93 Average price | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 8m Average total duration 8h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 31m Average total duration 10h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA is a train with an average price of $81 (€66).
This is compared to other travel options from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $12 (€10) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $93 (€76).
A train is $107 (€88) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $188 (€155).
The fastest way to travel from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 33m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 38m.
Bus takes on average 10h 1m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Universal City, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $81 (€66) compared to roughly $75 (€62) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.95 (€-4.89). The journey takes 8h 38m versus 5h 46m 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.
Live departures
Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9:20 PM Universal City, CA | 8h38 | 5:58 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Trains from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 8h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $80 (€66) but you can travel from only $67 (€55) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 20:20, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 338 miles (545 km) distance in 8h 38m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)
Distance 338 miles (545 km) |
Average train duration 8h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€66) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 8h 38m |
First train 8:20 PM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)
Complete guide to San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
- Must visit
Exploratorium
Hands-on science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
- Recommended
de Young Museum
Leading fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, known for American art, textiles, and its observation tower.
- Must visit
Fisherman's Wharf
Busy waterfront district known for classic San Francisco atmosphere, bay views, piers, and easy access to major sights.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Famous crooked block with steep curves, manicured gardens, and one of the city's most photographed street scenes.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Huge urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking and cycling routes across the western city.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, typically filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco’s famous tangy sourdough loaf, shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture and long baking tradition.
Mission-Style Burrito
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, usually packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
House of Prime Rib
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-fashioned hospitality and a lively, upscale supper-club feel.
La Taqueria
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a simple, always-busy casual atmosphere.
Swan Oyster Depot
Historic seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and cioppino ingredients in a classic old-school San Francisco setting.
United States Dollar
Prices are high for hotels, dining, parking, and taxes. Budget options exist, but overall costs rank among the highest in the US.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Trains from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Universal City, 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.
Train ticket prices from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $80 (€66), while the average price is around $81 (€66).
The train from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA takes 8h 38m and runs 11 per day.
The distance by train from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA is 338 miles (545 km).
The first train from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 8:20 PM.
The last train from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 9:20 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA.
The train station in Universal City, CA that goes to San Francisco, CA is Bob Hope Airport Train Station, Burbank, CA, which connects to Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $67 (€55).
The train journey from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA offers scenic views, including coastal landscapes, rolling hills, and picturesque stretches of California's countryside, particularly when traveling along parts of the Pacific coastline.
A day trip from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 8h 38m and covers 338 miles (545 km). However, there are 27 trips per day available by train.
In San Francisco, CA, you can ride a cable car through steep streets, explore vibrant murals in the Mission District, and visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum. Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero for views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace. Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley. Key sights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and Chinatown, each offering unique experiences from panoramic views to vibrant culture and cuisine.
Three to four days in San Francisco, CA, allows you to explore major attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, while also enjoying some of the city's renowned dining and cultural experiences.
No, you cannot take the train from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Since neither Universal City, CA nor San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from San Francisco, CA include Davis, CA, San Jose, CA, Stockton, CA, Santa Clara, CA, West Sacramento, CA.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Universal City, CA to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from San Francisco, CA and Universal City, CA
Most popular train connections to San Francisco, CA
HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Francisco, CAUniversal City, CA to San Francisco, CA train
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