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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:25 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL | 57h06 | 4:31 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:25 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL | 53h50 | 1:15 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 |
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:
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