The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$294
Average price
$348
Fastest journey
2 d 5 h 24 m
Average duration
2 d 12 h 29 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
2983 km
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 $348 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $294.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
5006 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief
5014 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder
5006 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief
5014 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire BuilderTravel 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 €58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 41m. 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 €58, and a train costs an average of €131.
Distance: 1853 miles (2983 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€361 Average price | €262 Average price Cheapest | €334 Average price |
54h 19m Average total duration 53h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 41m Average total duration Fastest 4h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 53h 25m Average total duration 52h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.9 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.9 - 17.9kg CO2 emissions | 3.0 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() 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 tomorrow, Sunday, February 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5014 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder | 4:50 AM San Francisco, CA | 65h55 | 10:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | ||
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 6:35 AM San Francisco, CA | 62h07 | 8:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | ||
5006 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr | 3:15 PM San Francisco, CA | 53h24 | 8:39 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 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 53h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $164 (€131) but you can travel from only $73 (€58) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 22:35. The fastest train covers the 1853 miles (2983 km) distance in 52h 14m.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average train duration 53h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $164 (€131) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 14m |
First train 04:55 |
Last train 22:35 |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL from $73 (€58). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
- 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 San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
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