Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA train with Amtrak

Sat, Dec 13
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 14

Cheapest price

$276

Average price

$688

Fastest journey

2 d 3 h 15 m

Average duration

2 d 10 h 24 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

2878 km

Cheap tickets

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 $688 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $276.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Sacramento, CA on Sun, Dec 14, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Dec 14 the direct trains cover the 2878 km distance in an average of 2 d 10 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 3 h 15 m .

On Sun, Dec 14 the slowest trains will take 2 d 17 h 23 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.

Amtrak5 California Zephyr
02:00PM51h15
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
03:15PMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
$2761One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr
07:40AM57h35
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
03:15PMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
$3111One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight
03:05PM65h23
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
06:28AMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
$4821One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight
02:25PM59h24
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
11:49PMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
$16821One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €119. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €119, and a flight costs an average of €58.

Distance: 1788 miles (2878 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€248

Average price

€290

Average price

€221

Average price

Cheapest

52h 37m

Average total duration

52h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 7m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

54h 57m

Average total duration

54h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA trains for today, Saturday, December 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:46 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak7:00 PM Chicago, IL
51h05
10:05 PM Sacramento, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak7:25 PM Chicago, IL
53h40
1:05 AM Sacramento, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak11:00 PM Chicago, IL
51h05
2:05 AM Sacramento, CA0 transfersDirect
Sunday, December 14
amtrak381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr1:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
57h35
11:15 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sun
Dec 14
Mon
Dec 15
Tue
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20

Why should you book Chicago to Sacramento trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Chicago to Sacramento. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago to Sacramento.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago to Sacramento.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 52h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $139 (€111) but you can travel from only $73 (€58) by flight.

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 5m.

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 $73 (€58)
Distance
1788 miles (2878 km)
Average train duration
52h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
$139 (€111)
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
51h 5m
First train
06:26
Last train
23:49
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 $73 (€58)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Sacramento, CA from $73 (€58). 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
51h 5m
Cheapest Price
$139 (€111)
Amtrak frequency
1 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 Chicago, IL to 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.

FAQs
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA is 1788 miles (2878 km).
The first train from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA leaves at 6:26 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA leaves at 11:49 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To fully explore Sacramento's key attractions, including the California State Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento Waterfront, and the Crocker Art Museum, a 2 to 3-day visit is recommended.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 51h 5m and the distance covered is 1788 miles (2878 km). However, there are 11 trips per day available for trains.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA, particularly on the California Zephyr route, is considered quite scenic. Passengers can enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and diverse landscapes that include plains and deserts.
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $139 (€111), while the average price is around $310 (€248).
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $73 (€58).
The train from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA takes 51h 5m and runs 11 per day.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Sacramento, CA is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA

Chicago
Sacramento
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Sacramento.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Sacramento, CA and Chicago, IL

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Sacramento, CAChicago, IL to Sacramento, CA train

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