The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Cheapest price
$308
Average price
$1052
Fastest journey
2 d 3 h 15 m
Average duration
2 d 5 h 15 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
2878 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA will cost around $1052 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $308.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Sacramento, CA on Thu, Apr 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 2878 km distance in an average of 2 d 5 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 3 h 15 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 2 d 7 h 15 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.
08:25PM55h15Chicago, IL03:40AMSacramento, CA$3081One-way0 transfers
08:00PM51h15Chicago, IL11:15PMSacramento, CA$17971One-way0 transfers
08:00PM51h15Chicago, IL11:15PMSacramento, CA$17971One-way0 transfers
08:25PM55h15Chicago, IL03:40AMSacramento, CA$3081One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $140. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $140, and a flight costs an average of $96.
Distance: 1788 miles (2878 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$326 Average price Cheapest | $370 Average price | $513 Average price |
52h 5m Average total duration 51h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 59h 10m Average total duration 58h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 52m Average total duration Fastest 5h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr | 12:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 57h25 | 10:05 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
5 California Zephyr | 7:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 51h05 | 10:05 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3817 AMTRAK | 7:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 55h30 | 2:55 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK | 7:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 55h25 | 2:50 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight | 7:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 59h24 | 6:49 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK | 7:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 55h15 | 2:40 AM Sacramento, CA | 3 transfers | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight | 8:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 65h23 | 1:28 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Apr 02
Apr 03
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 51h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $140 (€113) but you can travel from only $96 (€78) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 1788 miles (2878 km) distance in 51h 5m.
Distance 1788 miles (2878 km) |
Average train duration 51h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $140 (€113) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 51h 5m |
First train 06:26 |
Last train 23:49 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Sacramento, CA from $96 (€78). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA 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 Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with both short-term and long-term options.
- The Firehouse Restaurant
- Ten22
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
- Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena
- Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- 60 places, covered
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas, platforms are accessible via a concourse.
- Light Rail: Blue Line, Gold Line
- Bus: Several lines available including local and regional buses
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
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