Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

Sat, 21 Mar
+ Add return
Amtrak
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
TGV INOUI
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
TGV INOUI
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for 21 Mar

Cheapest price

$480

Average price

$480

Fastest journey

18 h 17 m

Average duration

18 h 17 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

964 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA will cost around $480 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $480.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Salt Lake City, UT for San Francisco, CA every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 964 km distance in an average of 18 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 17 m .

The slowest trains will take 18 h 17 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak5 California Zephyr
11:40PM18h17
Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT
04:57PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA
$4801One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $84. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of $84, and a flight costs an average of $84.

Distance: 964 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

$164

Average Price

$202

Average Price

$141

Average Price

Cheapest

18h 43m

Average total duration

18h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 22m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

19h 47m

Average total duration

19h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA trains for tomorrow, Friday, 20 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:45 pm
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak5 California Zephyr5:40 am Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT
18h17
11:57 pm Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, 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.

Sat
21 Mar
Sun
22 Mar
Mon
23 Mar
Tue
24 Mar
Wed
25 Mar
Thu
26 Mar
Fri
27 Mar

Journey information

Overview: Train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 18h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:40, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 964 km distance in 18h 17m.

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
Distance
964 km
Average train duration
18h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
$79
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
18h 17m
First train
02:40
Last train
23:49
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

Train companies: Amtrak from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA from $79. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
18h 17m
Cheapest Price
$79
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salt Lake City, UT 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $79 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA is $164; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA is 18h 17m to travel the 964 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA leaves at 2:40 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:49 pm.
Yes, there are 1 direct trains a day from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA, you can count on Amtrak for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from Salt Lake City, UT is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 18h 17m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA including taking a coach, train and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA

Salt Lake City
San Francisco
The major train station for departures in Salt Lake City is Salt Lake Central Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Salt Lake Central Station for your trip from Salt Lake City to San Francisco.
Salt Lake Central StationLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
Dining
Dining
  • The Gateway
  • Red Iguana
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Downtown
  • Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown
  • Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for Amtrak and FrontRunner trains
  • Hall 2: TRAX light rail connections
Public transport options for Salt Lake Central Station
  • Light Rail: TRAX Blue Line, TRAX Green Line
  • Bus: Several UTA bus lines available

Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Salt Lake City, UT

HomeTrainsSalt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone