Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

Tue, Feb 24
+ Add return
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for Feb 24

Cheapest price

$346

Average price

$491

Fastest journey

2 d 5 h 45 m

Average duration

2 d 14 h 42 m

Trains per day

5

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 $491 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $346.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.

Amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner · 6615 AMTRAK
02:10PM77h20
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
05:30PMSan Francisco, CA
$3461One-way
3 transfers
Amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAK
02:25PM58h05
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
10:30PMSan Francisco, CA
$3941One-way
2 transfers
Amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 6617 AMTRAK
02:25PM56h05
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
08:30PMSan Francisco, CA
$3951One-way
3 transfers
Amtrak27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 5011 AMTRAK
03:05PM68h15
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
09:20AMSan Francisco, CA
$4721One-way
2 transfers
Amtrak5 California Zephyr · 5005 AMTRAK
02:00PM53h45
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
05:45PMSan Francisco, CA
$8471One-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 flight with prices starting from €65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €65, and a bus costs an average of €153.

Distance: 1853 miles (2983 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€352

Average price

€275

Average price

Cheapest

€372

Average price

54h 27m

Average total duration

53h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 9m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

52h 36m

Average total duration

52h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.9 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

8.9 - 17.9kg

CO2 emissions

3.0 - 7.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

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

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Monday, February 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:37 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak5 California Zephyr · 5005 AMTRAK8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
53h45
1:45 AM San Francisco, CA1 transfer
amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 6617 AMTRAK8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
56h05
4:30 AM San Francisco, CA3 transfers
amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAK8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
58h05
6:30 AM San Francisco, CA2 transfers
amtrak27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 5011 AMTRAK9:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
68h15
5:20 PM San Francisco, 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

Compare bus, train, 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.

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Journey information

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

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Trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 53h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $201 (€159) but you can travel from only $82 (€65) by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 22:35. The fastest train covers the 1853 miles (2983 km) distance in 52h 57m.

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 $82 (€65)
Distance
1853 miles (2983 km)
Average train duration
53h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
$201 (€159)
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
52h 57m
First train
04:55
Last train
22:35
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 $82 (€65)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA from $82 (€65). 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
52h 57m
Cheapest Price
$201 (€159)
Amtrak frequency
6 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 San Francisco, CA

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $201 (€159), while the average price is around $443 (€352).
The train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA takes 52h 57m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA is 1853 miles (2983 km).
The first train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA leaves at 4:55 AM.
The last train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA leaves at 10:35 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to San Francisco, CA is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $82 (€65).
Yes, the train journey from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA is considered scenic, offering views of diverse landscapes including the rolling plains of the Midwest, the majestic Rocky Mountains, and the vast deserts and canyons of Nevada and California.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 52h 57m. However, there are 6 trips available per day by train for this journey covering a distance of 1853 miles (2983 km).
In San Francisco, CA, you can ride a cable car through steep streets, explore vibrant murals in the Mission District, and visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum. Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero for views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace. Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley. Key sights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and Chinatown, each offering unique experiences from panoramic views to vibrant culture and cuisine.
Three to four days in San Francisco, CA, allows you to explore major attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, while also enjoying some of the city's renowned dining and cultural experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA

Chicago
San Francisco
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 San Francisco.
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

Most popular trains to and from San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL

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