The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$458
Average price
$554
Fastest journey
2 d 4 h 57 m
Average duration
2 d 7 h 24 m
Trains per day
6
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 $554 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $458.
Of the 6 trains that leave Chicago, IL for San Francisco, CA on Fri, Nov 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 21 the direct trains cover the 2983 km distance in an average of 2 d 7 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 57 m .
On Fri, Nov 21 the slowest trains will take 2 d 11 h 17 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.
381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr
3 Southwest Chief · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
3 Southwest Chief · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
5 California Zephyr
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight
5 California Zephyr
3 Southwest Chief · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
3 Southwest Chief · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight
381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California ZephyrTravel 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 €74. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 10m. 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 €74, and a train costs an average of €117.
Distance: 1853 miles (2983 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€259 Average price | €199 Average price Cheapest | €252 Average price |
54h 33m Average total duration 54h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 10m Average total duration Fastest 5h 10m 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() 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, Thursday, November 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr | 1:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 59h17 | 12:57 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
5 California Zephyr | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 52h57 | 12:57 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
3 Southwest Chief · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 53h50 | 2:15 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 2 transfers | |
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight | 8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 57h06 | 5:31 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 53h50 | 2:15 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 2 transfers | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight | 9:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 67h24 | 4:29 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
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.
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
Trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 54h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $143 (€117) but you can travel from only $91 (€74) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 1853 miles (2983 km) distance in 52h 57m.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average train duration 54h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $143 (€117) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 57m |
First train 04:55 |
Last train 21:41 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA from $91 (€74). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
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