- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Cheapest price on Oct 09
$531
Average ticket price on Oct 09
$690
Fastest journey on Oct 09
2 d 9 h
Average journey duration on Oct 09
2 d 14 h 38 m
Trains on Oct 09
2
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 $690 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $531.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 Connecting Bus · 717 Gold Runner · 6617 Connecting Bus
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 5011 Connecting Bus
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 Connecting Bus · 717 Gold Runner · 6617 Connecting Bus
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 5011 Connecting BusTrains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 56h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $157 (€131) but you can travel from only $76 (€63) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 22:35. The fastest train covers the 1853 miles (2983 km) distance in 52h 55m.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average train duration 56h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $157 (€131) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 55m |
First train 4:35 AM |
Last train 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:25 PM Chicago, IL | 56h05 | 3:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:05 PM Chicago, IL | 68h15 | 4:20 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:25 PM Chicago, IL | 56h05 | 4:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 PM Chicago, IL | 68h15 | 5:20 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA trains use the Union Station to Emeryville Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and San Francisco, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need