- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Cheapest price on Oct 29
$333
Average ticket price on Oct 29
$380
Fastest journey on Oct 29
2 d 3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Oct 29
2 d 7 h 29 m
Trains on Oct 29
6
Distance
2878 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA will cost around $380 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $333.
On Thu, Oct 29, we found 6 trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 29 the direct trains cover the 2878 km distance in an average of 2 d 7 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 3 h 5 m .
On Thu, Oct 29 the slowest trains will take 2 d 9 h 25 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.
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 Connecting Bus · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 Connecting Bus
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3 Southwest Chief · 5817 Connecting Bus · 717 Gold Runner · 3817 Connecting Bus
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3 Southwest Chief · 5817 Connecting Bus · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 Connecting Bus
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5 California Zephyr
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381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr
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5 California Zephyr
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3 Southwest Chief · 5817 Connecting Bus · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 Connecting Bus
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3 Southwest Chief · 5817 Connecting Bus · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 Connecting Bus
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3 Southwest Chief · 5817 Connecting Bus · 717 Gold Runner · 3817 Connecting Bus
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381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr
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Trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 55h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $214 but you can travel from only $137 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 1788 miles (2878 km) distance in 51h 3m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA trains for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:00 PM Chicago, IL | 51h05 | 10:05 PM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:25 PM Chicago, IL | 55h15 | 2:40 AM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 PM Chicago, IL | 51h05 | 11:05 PM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:25 PM Chicago, IL | 55h15 | 3:40 AM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, October 29 | |||||
381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr | 7:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 57h25 | 3:05 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Sacramento, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento, CA trip today.
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Excellent art museum known for California art, ceramics, photography, and engaging modern exhibitions in Midtown Sacramento.
State history museum inside the capitol, featuring restored offices, political artifacts, and architecture that defines California government.
Tree-lined central district known for restaurants, shops, murals, nightlife, and easy walking between major Sacramento attractions.
Large riverside park with trails, gardens, ponds, and open lawns, ideal for strolling, picnics, and seeing local wildlife.
Long riverfront path popular for walking and cycling, linking parks and neighborhoods with broad Sacramento River views.
Farm-to-fork seasonal plates built from Sacramento Valley produce. They reflect the city's agricultural identity and restaurant culture more than a single fixed recipe.
A local spin on California cuisine using grilled salmon, asparagus, citrus, and herbs. It highlights nearby river fish and regional produce.
Fresh Delta asparagus, often grilled, roasted, or served in salads. It is a celebrated spring ingredient from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Contemporary fine dining destination focused on seasonal Sacramento ingredients, tasting menus, and polished service.
Beloved local bakery and cafe for breakfast, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee with a lively neighborhood feel.
Historic upscale restaurant in Old Sacramento known for steaks, seafood, and classic dining room service in a refined setting.
Moderate for California. Hotels are often pricier than smaller US cities, while casual dining and local transit stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-22% for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts; small tips are appreciated.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Sacramento, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA trains use the Union Station to Sacramento Valley Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Sacramento, 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.
Sacramento Valley Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Firehouse Restaurant, Ten22
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento Valley Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Sacramento Valley Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sacramento Valley Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Sacramento Valley Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento Valley Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
Check train stations information for Chicago, IL and Sacramento, CA, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.