Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

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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

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.

5 California Zephyr

02:00PM52h57

Union Station, Chicago, IL

04:57PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA

$3431One-way

0 transfers

381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr

07:40AM59h17

Union Station, Chicago, IL

04:57PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA

$3501One-way

1 transfer

421 Texas Eagle · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 San Joaquins

01:52PM78h23

Union Station, Chicago, IL

06:15PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA

$5811One-way

2 transfers

421 Texas Eagle · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 San Joaquins

01:52PM78h23

Union Station, Chicago, IL

06:15PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA

$5811One-way

2 transfers

421 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

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight	7:25 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL	57h06	4:31 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA	1 transfer
3 Southwest Chief · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 San Joaquins	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

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

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Jun 17

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Journey information

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

USA

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

Fastest train

2d 52h 57m

First train

13:40

Last train

20:25

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.

Cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $138 (€112) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA is $165 (€134); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

On average the Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA train travel time is 53 h for the 1849 mile (2983 km) long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA leaves at 4: 55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA leaves at 9: 41 PM.

There are 3 trains a day from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA which require at least one change with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.

For the trip from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA you can take a train with Amtrak. Be sure to check out all possible train companies that offer services between Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.

No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 9: 41 PM.

The cheapest month for a train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA is February.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train or flight.