- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$227
Average price
$256
Fastest journey
2 d 4 h 14 m
Average duration
2 d 4 h 14 m
Trains per day
2
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 $256 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $227.
Of the 2 trains that leave Emeryville, CA for Chicago, IL on Mon, Aug 03, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 2970 km distance in an average of 2 d 4 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 14 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 2 d 4 h 14 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.




Trains from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 52h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $159 (€130) but you can travel from only $87 (€70) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:20, 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 52h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $159 (€130) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 14m |
First train 4:20 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 70 days |
The table below shows live departures for Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 10:15 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 63h14 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
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.

Most Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL trains use the Emeryville Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Emeryville, CA and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Emeryville Station is 1 km from Emeryville city centre. Public transport options include:
Emeryville Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Townhouse Bar & Grill, Honor Kitchen & Cocktails
Ticket office support is available at Emeryville Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Emeryville Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Emeryville Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Emeryville Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Emeryville Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Place Emeryville/San Francisco Bay Area, Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge, Four Points by Sheraton San Francisco Bay Bridge.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
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