The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
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
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.
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.
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder
6 California Zephyr
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief
6 California Zephyr
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg
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 €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 |
![]() 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 today, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 3:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 58h14 | 2:00 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 3 transfers | |
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief | 3:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 52h56 | 8:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg | 4:25 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 59h26 | 3:51 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
6 California Zephyr | 4:25 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 52h14 | 8:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 20 | |||||
14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder | 5:41 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 65h04 | 10:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 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.
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
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 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.
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 |
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
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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