- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$165
Average price
$530
Fastest journey
1 d 10 h 19 m
Average duration
1 d 10 h 19 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
2022 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL will cost around $530 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $165.
Of the 2 trains that leave Salt Lake City, UT for Chicago, IL on Sat, Aug 01, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct trains cover the 2022 km distance in an average of 1 d 10 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 10 h 19 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest trains will take 1 d 10 h 19 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 34h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $114 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 1256 miles (2022 km) distance in 34h 19m.
Distance 1256 miles (2022 km) |
Average train duration 34h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $114 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 34h 19m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 6:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 days |
The table below shows live departures for Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL trains for today, Friday, July 31. 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
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 Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL trains use the Salt Lake Central Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Salt Lake City, UT and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Salt Lake Central Station is 1 km from Salt Lake City city centre. Public transport options include:
Salt Lake Central 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, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Gateway, Red Iguana
Ticket office support is available at Salt Lake Central Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Salt Lake Central Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Salt Lake Central Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salt Lake Central Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salt Lake Central Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown, Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown.
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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