The cheapest and fastest trains from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$314
Average price
$397
Fastest journey
2 d 4 h 14 m
Average duration
2 d 11 h 7 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
2970 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $397 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $314.
Of the 5 trains that leave Emeryville, CA for Chicago, IL on Mon, May 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 04 the direct trains cover the 2970 km distance in an average of 2 d 11 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 14 m .
On Mon, May 04 the slowest trains will take 2 d 17 h 4 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.
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief4:20 AM56h22Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3141One-way2 transfers
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg8:25 AM59h26Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3481One-way1 transfer
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief10:15 PM62h27Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4191One-way2 transfers
6 California Zephyr8:25 AM52h14Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4211One-way0 transfers
14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder9:41 PM65h04Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4841One-way1 transfer
6 California Zephyr8:25 AM52h14Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4211One-way0 transfers
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief4:20 AM56h22Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3141One-way2 transfers
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg8:25 AM59h26Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3481One-way1 transfer
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief10:15 PM62h27Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4191One-way2 transfers
14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder9:41 PM65h04Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4841One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $67. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 11h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $67, and a train costs an average of $136.
Distance: 1845 miles (2970 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$349 Average price | $243 Average price Cheapest | $269 Average price |
54h 3m Average total duration 53h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 8m Average total duration Fastest 11h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 57h 34m Average total duration 57h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Sunday, May 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 4:20 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 56h22 | 2:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
720 Capitol Corridor · 6 California Zephyr | 7:58 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 52h41 | 2:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg | 8:25 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 59h26 | 9:51 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
6 California Zephyr | 8:25 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 52h14 | 2:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
11 Coast Starlight · 422 Texas Eagle | 8:39 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 75h10 | 1:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 422 Texas Eagle | 10:28 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 73h21 | 1:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder | 9:41 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 65h04 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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 Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 53h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $136 (€109) but you can travel from only $67 (€54) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 1845 miles (2970 km) distance in 52h 14m.
Distance 1845 miles (2970 km) |
Average train duration 53h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $136 (€109) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 14m |
First train 4:35 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 70 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Emeryville, CA and Chicago, IL from $67 (€54). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Townhouse Bar & Grill
- Honor Kitchen & Cocktails
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Hyatt Place Emeryville/San Francisco Bay Area
- Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge
- Four Points by Sheraton San Francisco Bay Bridge
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has an enclosed waiting area and ticketing services.
- Bus: AC Transit lines available
- Shuttle: Emery Go-Round
- 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 Emeryville, CA
More options for your journey from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL
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