The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA
Cheapest price
$251
Average price
$405
Fastest journey
2 d 3 h 31 m
Average duration
2 d 19 h 56 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
2805 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA will cost around $405 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $251.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner2:25 PM51h31Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3:56 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$2511One-way2 transfers
421 Texas Eagle · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner2:10 PM72h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:54 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$3411One-way2 transfers
421 Texas Eagle · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner2:10 PM72h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:54 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$3411One-way2 transfers
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner3:05 PM71h20Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:25 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$5471One-way3 transfers
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner3:05 PM71h20Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:25 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$5471One-way3 transfers
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner2:25 PM51h31Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3:56 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$2511One-way2 transfers
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner3:05 PM71h20Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:25 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$5471One-way3 transfers
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner3:05 PM71h20Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:25 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$5471One-way3 transfers
421 Texas Eagle · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner2:10 PM72h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:54 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$3411One-way2 transfers
421 Texas Eagle · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner2:10 PM72h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:54 PMFresno station, Fresno, CA$3411One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $227. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $227, and a train costs an average of $276.
Distance: 1742 miles (2805 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$577 Average price | $452 Average price | $346 Average price Cheapest | $444 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
57h 8m Average total duration 56h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 39m Average total duration Fastest 6h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 54h 50m Average total duration 54h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA:
A bus is $106 (€84) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA costing on average $452 (€360).
A bus is $231 (€185) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA costing on average $577 (€461).
Other travel options to Fresno, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 54h 20m.
Train takes on average 56h 38m.
Tickets start at around $577 (€461) compared to roughly $444 (€354) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-133.60 (€-106.54). The journey takes 56h 38m versus 30h 57m 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.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA trains for today, Monday, May 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:00 PM Chicago, IL | 57h48 | 4:48 AM Fresno, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA 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.
May 12
May 13
May 14
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May 18
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 56h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $276 (€220) but you can travel from only $227 (€181) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 09:49, the last at 18:16. The fastest train covers the 1742 miles (2805 km) distance in 51h 31m.
Distance 1742 miles (2805 km) |
Average train duration 56h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $276 (€220) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 51h 31m |
First train 9:49 AM |
Last train 6:16 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Fresno, CA from $227 (€181). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
- Shepherd's Inn
- Joe's Steakhouse
- Outside the main entrance.
- $0.50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Center
- Radisson Hotel Fresno Conference Center
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Fresno Yosemite
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak trains
- Bus: Fresno Area Express (FAX) routes 22, 26, 28, 34, 38
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA
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