The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$479
Average price
$509
Fastest journey
2 d 5 h 39 m
Average duration
2 d 12 h 34 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 $509 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $479.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief10:35 PM62h07San Francisco, CA2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4791One-way2 transfers
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr7:00 AM53h39San Francisco, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5191One-way1 transfer
5014 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder8:50 PM65h55San Francisco, CA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5301One-way2 transfers
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr7:00 AM53h39San Francisco, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5191One-way1 transfer
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief10:35 PM62h07San Francisco, CA2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4791One-way2 transfers
5014 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder8:50 PM65h55San Francisco, CA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5301One-way2 transfers
Travel 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 $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 44m. 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 $72, and a train costs an average of $197.
Distance: 1853 miles (2983 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$448 Average price | $322 Average price Cheapest | $423 Average price |
54h 19m Average total duration 53h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 44m Average total duration Fastest 4h 44m 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 today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr | 2:00 PM San Francisco, CA | 53h39 | 7:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
6624 AMTRAK · 11 Coast Starlight · 422 Texas Eagle | 2:00 PM San Francisco, CA | 76h49 | 6:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
6610 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 422 Texas Eagle | 2:30 PM San Francisco, CA | 76h19 | 6:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 3 transfers | |
6612 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 422 Texas Eagle | 4:40 PM San Francisco, CA | 74h09 | 6:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 3 transfers | |
| Thursday, April 2 | |||||
5014 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder | 3:50 AM San Francisco, CA | 65h55 | 9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
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.
Apr 02
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Apr 08
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 53h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $197 (€160) but you can travel from only $72 (€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 24m.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average train duration 53h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $197 (€160) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 24m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 10:35 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL from $72 (€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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