San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu 29 Jan
+ Add return
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 29 Jan

Cheapest price

£351

Average price

£372

Fastest journey

2 d 5 h 39 m

Average duration

2 d 11 h 47 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

2983 km

Cheap tickets

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 £372 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £351.

Fast trains

To travel from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL you need to make at least one change.

Amtrak5014 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder
20:5065h55
San Francisco, CA
16:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£3511One-way
2 changes
Amtrak6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr
07:0053h39
San Francisco, CA
14:39Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£3921One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, 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 £65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 37m. 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 £65, and a coach costs an average of £88.

Distance: 2983 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£214

Average Price

£201

Average Price

Cheapest

£227

Average Price

54h 24m

Average total duration

53h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 37m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 37m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

54h 27m

Average total duration

53h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.9 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

8.9 - 17.9kg

CO2 emissions

3.0 - 7.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Alaska Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

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 28 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 09:22
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak6624 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr15:00 San Francisco, CA
53h39
20:39 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 change
amtrak6624 AMTRAK · 11 Coast Starlight · 422 Texas Eagle15:00 San Francisco, CA
76h49
19:49 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL2 changes
amtrak6610 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 422 Texas Eagle15:30 San Francisco, CA
76h19
19:49 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3 changes
amtrak6612 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 422 Texas Eagle17:40 San Francisco, CA
74h09
19:49 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3 changes
Thursday 29 January
amtrak5014 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder04:50 San Francisco, CA
65h55
22:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, 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.

Thu
29 Jan
Fri
30 Jan
Sat
31 Jan
Sun
01 Feb
Mon
02 Feb
Tue
03 Feb
Wed
04 Feb

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 53h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £100 but you can travel from only £65 by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 2983 km distance in 52h 14m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £65
Distance
2983 km
Average train duration
53h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
£100
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
52h 14m
First train
04:55
Last train
21:41
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £65

Train companies: Amtrak from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL from £65. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
52h 14m
Cheapest Price
£99
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £100, while the average price tends to be around £214.
The train journey from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 2983 km and takes approximately 52h 14m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL is 2983 km.
The first train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 4:55.
The last train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL departs at 21:41.
Trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train between San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL.
The train station in San Francisco, CA that goes to Chicago, IL is Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL is by flight, costing approximately £65.
Booking trains from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from San Francisco to Chicago is renowned for its scenic views, featuring stunning landscapes of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the expansive Utah desert, and the picturesque Rocky Mountains. Passengers can enjoy panoramic vistas of diverse terrains, making it a visually captivating experience.
A day trip from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey duration is 52h 14m with a distance of 2983 km. The frequency is 6 per day for trains.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry for interactive exhibits on science and technology or discover the vibrant neighbourhoods of Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, renowned for their unique shops and eateries. Take a river cruise to admire the city's iconic architecture, or enjoy a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Spend a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the U.S. and free to enter. For sightseeing, visit Millennium Park with its modern art installations, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Skydeck for panoramic city views, or the Field Museum to see the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL

San Francisco
Chicago
The major train station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) for your trip from San Francisco to Chicago.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
information

More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, IL San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone