- 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 Sep 14
kr1206
Average ticket price on Sep 14
kr2000
Fastest journey on Sep 14
2 d 3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
2 d 7 h 37 m
Trains on Sep 14
5
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 kr2000 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr1206.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 5 trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA, including 5 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct trains cover the 2878 km distance in an average of 2 d 7 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 3 h 5 m .
On Mon, Sep 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.










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 an average ticket price of kr2023 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr2023, while a train costs an average of kr4218.
Distance: 1788 miles (2878 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr4218 Average price | kr2023 Average price Cheapest | kr4052 Average price | kr2801 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
56h 4m Average total duration 55h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53h 15m Average total duration 52h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 56m Average total duration Fastest 6h 56m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 29h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Sacramento, CA:
A bus is kr2029 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA costing on average kr4052.
A bus is kr2195 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA costing on average kr4218.
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 52h 45m.
Train takes on average 55h 34m.
Tickets start at around kr4218 compared to roughly kr2801 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-1417.69. The journey takes 55h 34m versus 29h 51m 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 Sacramento, CA trains for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight | 1:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 60h19 | 11:49 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3817 AMTRAK | 1:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 56h25 | 7:55 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK | 1:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 56h20 | 7:50 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK | 1:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 56h10 | 7:40 PM Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 83h39 | 11:49 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 79h30 | 7:40 PM Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner · 3815 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h40 | 4:50 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner · 3715 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h35 | 4:45 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner · 3715 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h25 | 4:35 PM Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 79h40 | 7:50 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 79h40 | 7:50 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 79h30 | 7:40 PM Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 83h39 | 11:49 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner · 3815 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h40 | 4:50 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3817 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 79h45 | 7:55 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 83h39 | 11:49 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3817 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 79h45 | 7:55 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner · 3715 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h35 | 4:45 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
421 Texas Eagle · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner · 3715 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h25 | 4:35 PM Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 65h23 | 6:28 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 Sacramento, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 55h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr1217 but you can travel from only kr920 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.
Distance 1788 miles (2878 km) |
Average train duration 55h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price kr1217 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 51h 3m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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.
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, with some services arriving at Sacramento, California State Capitol. 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.
Sacramento, California State Capitol has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: A cafe is available inside the station
Wi-Fi is available at Sacramento, California State Capitol. ATMs are aTM available near the ticket counters.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento, California State Capitol.
Available at Sacramento, California State Capitol: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento, California State Capitol: Station is wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need