The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$618
Average price
$1373
Fastest journey
2 d 5 h 45 m
Average duration
2 d 11 h 3 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
2983 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA will cost around $1373 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $618.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 6617 AMTRAK2:25 PM56h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL8:30 PMSan Francisco, CA$6181One-way3 transfers
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAK2:25 PM58h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:30 PMSan Francisco, CA$6251One-way2 transfers
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 5011 AMTRAK3:05 PM68h15Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL9:20 AMSan Francisco, CA$6591One-way2 transfers
5 California Zephyr · 5005 AMTRAK2:00 PM53h45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:45 PMSan Francisco, CA$35901One-way1 transfer
5 California Zephyr · 5005 AMTRAK2:00 PM53h45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:45 PMSan Francisco, CA$35901One-way1 transfer
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 6617 AMTRAK2:25 PM56h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL8:30 PMSan Francisco, CA$6181One-way3 transfers
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAK2:25 PM58h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:30 PMSan Francisco, CA$6251One-way2 transfers
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 5011 AMTRAK3:05 PM68h15Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL9:20 AMSan Francisco, CA$6591One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $80. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 11m. 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 $80, and a bus costs an average of $201.
Distance: 1853 miles (2983 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$424 Average price | $346 Average price Cheapest | $473 Average price |
54h 27m Average total duration 53h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 11m Average total duration Fastest 5h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 52h 36m Average total duration 52h 6m 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
Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Francisco, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 California Zephyr · 5005 AMTRAK | 7:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 53h45 | 12:45 AM San Francisco, CA | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner · 6617 AMTRAK | 7:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 56h05 | 3:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 3 transfers | |
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAK | 7:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 58h05 | 5:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 5011 AMTRAK | 8:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 68h15 | 4:20 PM San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA 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 Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
Trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 53h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $198 (€161) but you can travel from only $80 (€65) 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 53h 7m.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average train duration 53h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $198 (€161) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 53h 7m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 10:35 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA from $80 (€65). 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 San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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