Cheap train tickets from Chicago to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to San Francisco. Travelling by train from Chicago to San Francisco usually takes 2 days, 15 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance: 1855 mi (2985 km)
Fastest train: 53h 45m
Lowest price: CHF 157.01
Trains per day: 5
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Chicago to San Francisco Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to San Francisco?

There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from Chicago to San Francisco.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 322.03	Avg. PriceCHF 231.30Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips5	Daily Trips6
Duration	Duration63h 12m	Duration57h 44mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to San Francisco:

Amtrak tickets: CHF 135 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to San Francisco?

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to San Francisco cost about CHF 306 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Chicago and San Francisco, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 37.24 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to San Francisco by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to San Francisco will cost between CHF 237 and CHF 415. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to San Francisco by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only CHF 236. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to San Francisco during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 329 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 37.24 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to San Francisco. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	5	63h 12m	CHF 322.03

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 washroom, 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 5 Amtrak trains from Chicago to San Francisco every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 135.29.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to San Francisco

Amtrak’s California Zephyr train from Chicago to San Francisco officially takes 51 hours and 20 minutes — over two days! As it is one of the most scenic train trips in North America, though, some riders extend the trip by buying tickets in segments and visiting beautiful locations and exciting cities along the way.

The most scenic stretches of the California Zephyr include a span over the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, as well as a trek through California’s Sierra Nevada.

The distance from Chicago to San Francisco covers 1,859 miles (2,991.8 kilometres). The driving distance is upwards of 2,120 miles (3,411.8 kilometres).

While the train is the main method of transportation from Chicago to San Francisco, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Francisco to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to San Francisco for CHF 129.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and San Francisco is approximately 2,985 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 15 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 5 hours and 45 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.

Distance (mi)

1855

Distance (km)

2985

The earliest train departs Chicago at 1:30 p.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 3:05 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

1:30pm

Last train

3:05pm

Trains from Chicago to San Francisco are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, 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.

San Francisco

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed “Karl the Fog” by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian “Painted Ladies.” After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether travelling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main departure station: Union Station

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.

All train stations in Chicago:

Union Station

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Main arrival station: San Francisco, California

Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travellers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.

All train stations in San Francisco:

San Francisco, California

Need a return trip from San Francisco to Chicago?

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