- Recommended
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
Contemporary art museum in nearby Berkeley with rotating exhibitions, films, and public programs in a striking modern building.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$232
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$368
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 d 4 h 57 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 d 7 h 4 m
Trains on Sep 20
3
Distance
2970 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA will cost around $368 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $232.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 3 trains from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 2970 km distance in an average of 2 d 7 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 57 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 2 d 11 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $299 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 37m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $299, while a train costs an average of $697.
Distance: 1845 miles (2970 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$697 Average price | $574 Average price | $299 Average price Cheapest | $446 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
56h 54m Average total duration 56h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration Fastest 6h 37m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 53h 58m Average total duration 53h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA:
A bus is $275 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA costing on average $574.
A bus is $398 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA costing on average $697.
Other travel options to Emeryville, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 53h 28m.
Train takes on average 56h 24m.
Tickets start at around $697 compared to roughly $446 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-250.81. The journey takes 56h 24m versus 30h 53m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:40 PM Chicago, IL | 59h17 | 11:57 PM Emeryville, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 PM Chicago, IL | 52h57 | 11:57 PM Emeryville, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:25 PM Chicago, IL | 55h31 | 2:56 AM Emeryville, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 PM Chicago, IL | 52h57 | 12:57 AM Emeryville, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:05 PM Chicago, IL | 67h24 | 3:29 PM Emeryville, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:25 PM Chicago, IL | 55h31 | 3:56 AM Emeryville, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 56h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $132 but you can travel from only $69 by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 1845 miles (2970 km) distance in 52h 55m.
Distance 1845 miles (2970 km) |
Average train duration 56h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $132 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 55m |
First train 4:20 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Emeryville, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Emeryville, CA trip today.
Contemporary art museum in nearby Berkeley with rotating exhibitions, films, and public programs in a striking modern building.
Hands-on science museum in Oakland with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and live animals, great for families and curious adults.
Focused gallery and archive presenting exhibitions on African American history, art, and culture in downtown Oakland.
Popular bayside green space with trails, kite flying, and excellent sunset views across the water toward San Francisco.
Large waterfront shopping and walking district with bay views, public art, a marina feel, and easy access to shoreline paths.
Shoreline park with a paved path, lawn areas, and sweeping skyline views, ideal for walking, picnics, and watching the bay.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, 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 Emeryville, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA trains use the Union Station to Emeryville Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Emeryville, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Emeryville Station is 1 km from Emeryville city centre. Public transport options include:
Emeryville Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Townhouse Bar & Grill, Honor Kitchen & Cocktails
Ticket office support is available at Emeryville Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Emeryville Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Emeryville Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Emeryville Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Emeryville Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Place Emeryville/San Francisco Bay Area, Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge, Four Points by Sheraton San Francisco Bay Bridge.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need