San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA train with Amtrak

Wed, Apr 01
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA

Showing times and prices for Apr 02

Cheapest price

$1891

Average price

$1891

Fastest journey

3 d 6 h 47 m

Average duration

3 d 6 h 47 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

3093 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA will cost around $1891 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $1891.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave San Francisco, CA for New Orleans, LA on Thu, Apr 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 3093 km distance in an average of 3 d 6 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 d 6 h 47 m .

On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 3 d 6 h 47 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.

  • Amtrak
    3:00 PM78h47
    San Francisco, CA
    9:47 PMNew Orleans, LA
    $18911One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $152. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $152, and a train costs an average of $245.

Distance: 1921 miles (3093 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

$879

Average price

$410

Average price

$353

Average price

Cheapest

70h 56m

Average total duration

70h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

58h 16m

Average total duration

57h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

8h 53m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA train times

The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak12:55 PM San Francisco, CA
62h45
3:40 AM New Orleans, LA0 transfersDirect
amtrak1:15 PM San Francisco, CA
62h25
3:40 AM New Orleans, LA0 transfersDirect
amtrak3:46 PM San Francisco, CA
78h01
9:47 PM New Orleans, LA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA 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.

Thu
Apr 02
Fri
Apr 03
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Apr 04
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Apr 05
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Apr 08

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA

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Icon of train

Trains from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 70h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $245 (€199) but you can travel from only $152 (€123) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 14:45. The fastest train covers the 1921 miles (3093 km) distance in 60h 40m.

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
Flight from $152 (€123)
Distance
1921 miles (3093 km)
Average train duration
70h 26m
Cheapest ticket price
$245 (€199)
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
60h 40m
First train
4:55 AM
Last train
2:45 PM
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
Flight from $152 (€123)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and New Orleans, LA from $152 (€123). 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
60h 40m
Cheapest Price
$245 (€199)
Amtrak frequency
5 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: Trains from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $245 (€199), while the average price is around $879 (€714).
The train from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA takes 60h 40m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA leaves at 4:55 AM.
The distance by train from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA is 1921 miles (3093 km).
The last train from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA leaves at 2:45 PM.
There is no high speed train available from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA.
There is no direct train service currently available from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA.
The train station in San Francisco, CA that goes to New Orleans, LA is Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA, which connects to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA.
The cheapest way to get from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA is by flight, with a cost of around $152 (€123).
The train journey from San Francisco to New Orleans offers scenic views, including the picturesque Pacific Coast, the diverse landscapes of California, the expansive deserts of the Southwest, and the charming bayous of Louisiana, providing a diverse and visually appealing travel experience.
A day trip from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA is not feasible as the travel duration is 60h 40m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit for a day trip. The distance between the two cities is 1921 miles (3093 km). Additionally, there are 4 train trips per day available for this route.
In New Orleans, LA, you can enjoy traditional jazz performances at Preservation Hall, relax in Audubon Park with its zoo and golf course, and experience live music on Frenchmen Street. Take a scenic cruise on the Steamboat Natchez and explore City Park's botanical gardens and art museum. Discover the French Quarter's vibrant nightlife and cultural heritage, visit Jackson Square and the historic St. Louis Cathedral, admire the Garden District's antebellum mansions, and explore the National WWII Museum's immersive exhibits.
Three to four days are recommended to fully explore New Orleans, allowing time to visit its historic neighborhoods, enjoy live music, savor local cuisine, and experience cultural landmarks such as the French Quarter and Garden District.
Yes, you can take the train from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA.
Since neither San Francisco, CA nor New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA include Hammond, LA, Gulfport, MS, McComb, MS, Bay Saint Louis, MS, Picayune, MS.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users.
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 New Orleans, LA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the French Quarter. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to avoid walking alone late at night in less populated neighborhoods and to use authorized transportation 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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA

San Francisco
New Orleans
The major train station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) for your trip from San Francisco to New Orleans.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
information

Most popular trains to and from New Orleans, LA and San Francisco, CA

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