- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Cheapest price on 28 Oct
£213
Average ticket price on 28 Oct
£299
Fastest journey on 28 Oct
2 d 5 h 39 m
Average journey duration on 28 Oct
2 d 15 h 35 m
Trains on 28 Oct
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around £299 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £213.
On Wed 28 Oct, we found 5 trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 2983 km distance in an average of 2 d 15 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 5 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 d 2 h 9 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.










Trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 55h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £97 but you can travel from only £50 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 2983 km distance in 52h 5m.
Distance 2983 km |
Average train duration 55h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £97 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 5m |
First train 4:55 |
Last train 22:35 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL.
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday 27 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6624 · 6 | 7:00 San Francisco, CA | 53h39 | 14:39 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
5014 · 14 · 28 | 20:50 San Francisco, CA | 65h55 | 16:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 28 October | |||||
![]() | 3:50 San Francisco, CA | 65h55 | 21:45 Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Science museum in Jackson Park with hands-on exhibits, a U-505 submarine, and broad appeal for families and curious adults.
Natural history museum on the Museum Campus, known for dinosaur fossils, gem displays, and wide-ranging science exhibits.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and frequent events at the heart of central Chicago.
Bustling avenue for architecture, shopping, river views, and easy walking between landmark buildings and major attractions.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River with terraces, bridges, boat access, and excellent close-up architecture views.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago classic with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked in a deep pan.
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 thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in savoury juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant rooted in Midwestern ingredients, with polished service and a refined contemporary dining room.
Historic pizzeria known for classic Chicago deep-dish in a lively, casual setting near the Magnificent Mile.
Long-running counter-service spot famed for Italian beef sandwiches, dipped rolls and spicy giardiniera in a no-frills setting.
Expensive by US city standards: hotels, dining and attractions add up, though buses and the 'L' help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if table service is given.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

Most San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL trains use the 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