5.0
Pros: Meeting interesting people. Cons: N/A.
Cheap train tickets from Emeryville to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Emeryville to Chicago. Traveling by train from Emeryville to Chicago usually takes 59 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak California Zephyr train can make the trip in 52 hours and 14 minutes.
| Distance | 1847 mi (2972 km) |
| Fastest train | 52h 14m |
| Lowest price | $161.42 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Emeryville to Chicago
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.5
What is the price of a train ticket from Emeryville to Chicago?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Emeryville and Chicago cost $328.50, on average. Due to the distance between Emeryville and Chicago, train tickets on this route tend to be relatively pricey. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $284.54 more.
Average train ticket prices from Emeryville to Chicago by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Emeryville to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between $295 and $385 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Emeryville is $342.
Monthly avg. prices
Mark your calendar for April if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Emeryville to Chicago. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $344. If you're planning a trip from Emeryville to Chicago during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $486 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Emeryville to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $284.54 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Emeryville to Chicago?
2 train services operate from Emeryville to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 2d 12h 55m | $418.78 |
| Amtrak California Zephyr | 1 | 2d 4h 15m | $387.40 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 6 Amtrak trains from Emeryville to Chicago every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $179.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr travels over 2,400 miles to connect Chicago to the San Francisco area. The full journey takes over 50 hours, so many passengers upgrade to a sleeper cabin for added privacy and comfort. The Zephyr is one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes, and the sightseer lounge’s panoramic windows offer the best views of the Rockies, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Great Salt Lake along the route.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Emeryville to Chicago
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Emeryville to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Emeryville and Chicago is approximately 1847 miles, or 2972 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 59 hours and 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 52 hours and 14 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Emeryville to Chicago on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Emeryville at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Emeryville to Chicago. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Emeryville.
City Information
Emeryville
Emeryville is the true hometown of Nemo, Buzz, and Mike Wazowski-- or at least the hometown of Pixar, the studio that created them. Located in Alameda County, right next to San Francisco, Emeryville is considered one of California's best residential areas. Locals of Emeryville enjoy a dense urban vibe, with numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
If you love food, visit one of the most exquisite restaurants in Emeryville. The Old Stamp House is a restaurant where every crew member wants you to have a great time on each food course. They show incredible food knowledge and appreciation, as well as where and how the food was sourced.
There are almost limitless ways of transport, from bikes and busses to taxis, trains, and planes. Amtrak has multiple lines that stop in Emeryville, including the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and Capitol Corridor, on the way to cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, and even Chicago. San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are the two major international airports that serve Emeryville and are only 25 and 10 miles away, respectively.
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Emeryville?
Main departure station: 5885 Horton St
There is one train station in Emeryville.
All train stations in Emeryville:
5885 Horton St
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
Train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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