- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and major special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$238
Average price
$548
Fastest journey
1 d 10 h 19 m
Average duration
1 d 13 h 55 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
2024 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL will cost around $548 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $238.
Of the 2 trains that leave Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL on Sun, Jun 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 28 the direct trains cover the 2024 km distance in an average of 1 d 13 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 10 h 19 m .
On Sun, Jun 28 the slowest trains will take 1 d 17 h 31 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $113. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $113, and a flight costs an average of $187.
Distance: 1257 miles (2024 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$395 Average price | $206 Average price Cheapest | $395 Average price | $289 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
34h 49m Average total duration 34h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 33h 57m Average total duration 33h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 4m Average total duration Fastest 5h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL:
A bus is $188 (€155) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL costing on average $395 (€325).
A bus is $188 (€155) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL costing on average $395 (€325).
Other travel options to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 33h 27m.
Train takes on average 34h 19m.
Tickets start at around $395 (€325) compared to roughly $289 (€238) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-105.69 (€-87.11). The journey takes 34h 19m versus 20h 15m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday, June 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 California Zephyr | 3:20 AM Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT | 34h19 | 2:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg | 3:20 AM Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT | 41h31 | 9:51 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 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.
Trains from Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 34h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $199 (€164) but you can travel from only $113 (€93) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:20, the last at 10:20. The fastest train covers the 1257 miles (2024 km) distance in 34h 19m.
Distance 1257 miles (2024 km) |
Average train duration 34h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $199 (€164) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 34h 19m |
First train 9:20 AM |
Last train 10:20 AM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Chicago Union Station — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago Union Station trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and major special exhibitions.
A major natural history museum with renowned dinosaur, anthropology, and science collections, including SUE the T. rex.
Large hands-on science museum with immersive exhibits on space, transportation, technology, and a famous captured German submarine.
Chicago's signature downtown public space, home to major public art, gardens, and year-round events.
Famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue lined with landmark buildings, shops, and classic big-city streetscape views.
Popular pedestrian waterfront with architecture views, bridges, and an easy walk through the heart of downtown.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic Chicago street food known for its no-ketchup rule.
Thin-sliced roast beef simmered in seasoned jus and piled onto a roll, often topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is one of Chicago's most iconic sandwich traditions.
A thick, buttery crust filled with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. This hearty style is strongly associated with Chicago and is a must-try for many visitors.
Celebrated West Loop restaurant serving bold small plates in a lively, modern setting. It is one of Chicago's best-known dining destinations.
Highly regarded diner-inspired restaurant known for its famous burger, strong cocktails, and energetic atmosphere in the West Loop.
Historic breakfast and lunch spot near Union Station, known for classic diner fare, hearty breakfasts, and old-school Chicago hospitality.
Prices are moderate for a major U.S. city; station snacks cost more, but casual dining nearby is reasonable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants and bars. Tip USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and porters.
Official public transport app
Chicago Union Station -> The Loop, Chicago
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salt Lake Central Station, Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago Union Station, 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 Union Station, Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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