Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

Mon, Jun 16
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for Jun 17

Cheapest price

$343

Average price

$896

Fastest journey

2 d 4 h 57 m

Average duration

2 d 10 h 7 m

Trains per day

8

Distance

2983 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA will cost around $896 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $343.

Fast trains

Of the 8 trains that leave Chicago, IL for San Francisco, CA on Tue, Jun 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 2983 km distance in an average of 2 d 10 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 57 m .

On Tue, Jun 17 the slowest trains will take 2 d 19 h 24 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
02:00PM52h57
Union Station, Chicago, IL
04:57PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA
$3431One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr
07:40AM59h17
Union Station, Chicago, IL
04:57PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA
$3501One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 San Joaquins
01:52PM78h23
Union Station, Chicago, IL
06:15PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA
$5811One-way
2 transfers
Amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 San Joaquins
01:52PM78h23
Union Station, Chicago, IL
06:15PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA
$5811One-way
2 transfers
Amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 14 Coast Starlight
01:52PM81h39
Union Station, Chicago, IL
09:31PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA
$6771One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €235. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.7kg.

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€251

Average price

Cheapest

€282

Average price

€295

Average price

2d 58h 54m

Average duration

2d 58h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 19m

Average duration

Fastest

5h 19m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

2d 63h 47m

Average duration

2d 63h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.9 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

8.9 - 17.9kg

CO2 emissions

3.0 - 7.5kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA train times

Showing trains for today, Monday, June 16
Last updated at 12:32 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight7:25 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL
57h06
4:31 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA1 transfer
amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 San Joaquins7:25 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL
53h50
1:15 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA

USAUSA
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Trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2d 58h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $290 (€235) but you can travel from only $233 (€189) by bus.
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
Bus from $233 (€189)
Distance
1853 miles (2983 km)
Average train duration
2d 58h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
$290 (€235)
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
2d 52h 57m
First train
13:40
Last train
20:25
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
Bus from $233 (€189)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA trains

Travel to San Francisco, CA from Chicago, IL from $164 (€134) with Omio’s train partners Amtrak! You can find the best schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the most convenient trip for you.

Amtrak is the main train company in the United States operating medium and long-distance intercity services in 46 US states as well as in 3 Canadian provinces. There are over 300 Amtrak trains running daily. With Amtrak you can travel by train across the country and explore destinations near and far with routes such as the Northeast Regional connecting cities in the East Coast, the Coast Starlight connecting destinations up and down the West Coast, the Empire Builder connecting Chicago and Midwestern cities to the Northwest, and many more. Amtrak offers different class options suiting any budget, from Coach Class to Business Class, First Class, and the Sleeper Class, where you can book a Roomette, Bedroom, and Bedroom suite among others for night travel. There are several different ticket types including Saver, Value, Flexible, Business and Premium for you to book for your next train journey to San Francisco, CA from Chicago, IL.

Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA train information with Amtrak:

  • Average Duration: 53 h
  • Cheapest Price: $164

FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA

FAQs: Travel by train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA.
FAQs

Most popular trains to and from San Francisco and Chicago

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