SF to Bend mid-July weekend

Question

We are trying to work out how to get a family member in SF who doesn't drive or own a car to Bend for a weekend family reunion mid-July. So far, the airfares we've seen are way beyond what we want to pay. We are wondering if there is a train that can get within a couple hours drive so we could pick them up. I'm hoping a Bay area resident knows the train system well enough to give advice. TIA

Answer

Traveling from San Francisco to Bend, Oregon, without driving can be a bit tricky, as there is no direct train or bus that goes all the way to Bend. Airfare tends to be the fastest but can be expensive, especially mid-July when demand is high. If your family member wants to avoid high-cost flights, the best approach is a combination of train and bus or short flight connections.

Here are some practical options:

Amtrak + Bus Combo: You can take Amtrak from San Francisco to a city closer to Bend. The main routes are:

San Francisco → Sacramento on Capitol Corridor (train), then continue to Portland or Eugene via the Amtrak Coast Starlight route. From Eugene or Portland, take a bus to Bend (for example, Pacific Crest Bus or other regional services).
San Francisco → Sacramento → Klamath Falls via Amtrak, then a bus or shuttle to Bend. This option takes longer but can be scenic and avoids expensive flights.

Amtrak + Shuttle Services: There are some private shuttle or small bus services from Eugene or Portland to Bend. Booking in advance is crucial, especially in summer.
Consider a short flight: Sometimes a low-cost regional flight from San Francisco to Redmond/Bend (RDM) can be comparable to the combined train + bus cost and much faster. Check airlines like Alaska, United Express, or Southwest for deals.
Bus-only options: Greyhound or regional bus lines can sometimes reach Bend from major cities in Oregon (Portland, Eugene), but there is no direct bus from SF. This will require multiple connections and can take 15+ hours.

Additional tips:

Book as early as possible for mid-July to lock in lower fares.
Use combination search tools like Rome2Rio or Wanderu to see train + bus options and schedules.
For comfort and convenience, splitting the journey into an Amtrak segment to Portland or Eugene and then a short shuttle or regional flight to Bend is often the least stressful.

In summary, there is no simple train route from SF to Bend. The most feasible options are: