Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $174. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 13h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $174, and a train costs an average of $160.
Distance: 1856 miles (2987 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$264 Average price | $227 Average price | $222 Average price Cheapest | $433 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
53h 26m Average total duration 52h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 0m Average total duration Fastest 13h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 55h 1m Average total duration 54h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 31h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA costing on average $227 (€186).
A bus is $41 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA costing on average $264 (€215).
Other travel options to South San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 52h 56m.
Bus takes on average 54h 31m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to South 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 South San Francisco, CA
Trains from Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 52h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $160 (€131) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:55, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 1856 miles (2987 km) distance in 52h 57m.
Distance 1856 miles (2987 km) |
Average train duration 52h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $160 (€131) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 57m |
First train 6:55 AM |
Last train 9:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and South San Francisco, CA from $160 (€131). 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 South San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to South 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 South San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA
Most Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA trains use the Union Station to San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and South San Francisco, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to South San Francisco, CA leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to South San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
