- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Oct 07
zł1638
Average ticket price on Oct 07
zł6800
Fastest journey on Oct 07
2 d 5 h 39 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
2 d 18 h 26 m
Trains on Oct 07
6
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 zł6800 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł1638.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
4770 Connecting Bus · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief
6624 Connecting Bus · 6 California Zephyr
6610 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 422 Texas Eagle
6612 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 422 Texas Eagle
6624 Connecting Bus · 11 Coast Starlight · 422 Texas Eagle
6624 Connecting Bus · 6 California Zephyr
4770 Connecting Bus · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief
5014 Connecting Bus · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder
6612 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 422 Texas Eagle
6610 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 422 Texas EagleTrains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 55h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at zł513 but you can travel from only zł263 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 5m.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average train duration 55h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price zł513 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 5m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6624 Connecting Bus · 6 California Zephyr | 7:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 53h39 | 2:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
5014 Connecting Bus · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder | 8:50 PM San Francisco, CA | 65h55 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
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 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.

Most San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL trains use the Emeryville Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need