Portland, OR to San Francisco, CA Train

Travel by train from Portland, OR, to San Francisco, CA

The train from Portland, OR, to San Francisco, CA, lasts on average 21 hr 18 min. Around 3 trains depart a day from Portland to California. The average price is $89.23, and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $34.10.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the US, operates the train from Portland to San Francisco. There is no direct train connection between Portland and San Francisco because Sanfran doesn't have a railway. Its construction is planned, but Amtrak currently secures a bus link to the closest Amtrak railway stations. You will start with the Coast Starlight, and In Emeryville, you will transfer to a bus taking you to San Francisco.

The Coast Starlight is one of the most stunning Amtrak services; it connects all the major cities, from Seattle to Los Angeles. Rainy Washington forests, Cascades, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific beaches, you can experience it all in the unique sightseeing cars. The Coast Starlight is one of the long-distance trains using the double-decker Superliner cars: dining cars, sleeping cars, and the particular observation lounge car. You can observe the dramatic scenery unfold while having a snack from the café on the lower deck.

Amtrak offers four sleeping options on their trains.

1. The Roomette is, at first glance, a tiny room, but it is very well-used. Different innovative storage options will surprise you at every step. They start with two comfortable recliner seats, which turn into a bed, and a second bunk bed that you pull from the ceiling, making enough space for two people to sleep and have a great view. The older Viewliner cars have a toilet and a sink in the room (one of the surprises under the steps to the upper bunk), which can be tricky if there are two people. The newer cars have toilets and bathrooms in the hallway.
2. The Bedroom is twice as big, with a big comfy queen bed and a bathroom in the room (separated by a door). It has all the amenities of the Roomette with more space and a higher price. 
3. The Two-Room Suite on a train offers twice the space of a regular Bedroom accommodation. During the day, the suite features two sofas and separate chairs for seating; at night, these furnishings convert into upper and lower beds, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements. It includes two in-room sinks, restrooms, and showers.
4. The Family room is only available on the Superliner trains. It provides comfortable accommodations for up to four people, with full-sized beds and fold-down bunks. Passengers can access hot showers, extra storage space, a sink, and an enclosed lavatory. 

Union Station in Portland is located at 800 NW Sixth Avenue and is widely recognizable thanks to its glowing neon sign encouraging travelers to "Go By Train." The station is located at. The station features vending machines, ATMs, vending machines ticketing kiosks, and a ticket office. Business-class passengers can take some time to relax in the Metropolitan Lounge, which has comfortable seating and complimentary snacks and beverages. The station is fully accessible, with an elevator, accessible toilets, and accessible parking. Overnight and same-day parking is available for a fee if you want to leave your car.

San Francisco does not have a railway station (yet!). Amtrak secures a bus connection from the nearest Amtrak station to the Salesforce Transit Center. The station serves local lines such as BART, Muni, AC lines, and Golden Gate Transit, which take you downtown or to the broader Bay Area. The station has diverse coffee places, restaurants, and free wifi. Keep in mind there is no luggage storage or parking at the station. 

San Francisco is the city of cable cars, hilly streets, fog, tech and gay culture, and culture in general. Whether you decide to catch a show at North Beach, check out the Museum of Modern Art, or stroll the city and take in sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, you will understand the immense cultural aura this Sanfran has and still possess. The waterfront is an integral part of the city's identity -fantastic seafood dishes at the Fishermans Warf, seals at Pier 39, and of course, Alcatraz, the most famous prison in the world. Take your pick.

So if you plan to travel to San Francisco from Portland by train, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport from Portland to San Francisco.