San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu, Nov 20
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Amtrak
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 20

Cheapest price

$438

Average price

$1063

Fastest journey

2 d 4 h 14 m

Average duration

2 d 9 h 35 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

2983 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $1063 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $438.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave San Francisco, CA for Chicago, IL on Thu, Nov 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 2983 km distance in an average of 2 d 9 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 14 m .

On Thu, Nov 20 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.

Amtrak710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
07:46AM58h14
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
08:00PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$4381One-way
3 transfers
Amtrak14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder
09:41PM65h04
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
04:45PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$5701One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak6 California Zephyr
08:25AM52h14
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
02:39PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$11751One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg
08:25AM59h26
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
09:51PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$11891One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief
07:46AM52h56
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
02:42PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$19411One-way
2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €71. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €71, and a bus costs an average of €97.

Distance: 1853 miles (2983 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€235

Average price

€221

Average price

Cheapest

€249

Average price

54h 24m

Average total duration

53h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 37m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 37m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

54h 27m

Average total duration

53h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.9 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

8.9 - 17.9kg

CO2 emissions

3.0 - 7.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Alaska Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:38 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner3:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
58h14
2:00 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3 transfers
amtrak710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief3:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
52h56
8:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL2 transfers
amtrak6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg4:25 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
59h26
3:51 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer
amtrak6 California Zephyr4:25 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
52h14
8:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
Thursday, November 20
amtrak14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder5:41 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
65h04
10:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL 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.

Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL

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Trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 53h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $135 (€109) but you can travel from only $88 (€71) by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 1853 miles (2983 km) distance in 52h 14m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $88 (€71)
Distance
1853 miles (2983 km)
Average train duration
53h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$135 (€109)
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
52h 14m
First train
04:55
Last train
21:41
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $88 (€71)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL from $88 (€71). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
52h 14m
Cheapest Price
$134 (€109)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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.

FAQs
The distance by train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL is 1853 miles (2983 km).
A day trip from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 52h 14m. There are 6 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 1853 miles (2983 km).
The train journey from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL on the California Zephyr is considered one of the most scenic in the U.S., offering views of the Sierra Nevada, the Rocky Mountains, and the plains of Nebraska.
The train station in San Francisco, CA that goes to Chicago, IL is Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL takes 52h 14m and runs 6 per day.
There is no high speed train available from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL.
The last train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 9:41 PM.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
Train ticket prices from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $135 (€109), while the average price is around $290 (€235).
The cheapest way to get from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL is by flight, with a cost of around $88 (€71).
The first train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 4:55 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL

San Francisco
Chicago
The major train station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) for your trip from San Francisco to Chicago.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
information

Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA

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