Cheap train tickets from Emeryville to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Emeryville to Chicago. Traveling by train from Emeryville to Chicago usually takes 61 hours and 8 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 | $215.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Emeryville to Chicago Train Schedule
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Emeryville to Chicago (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Emeryville to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Emeryville to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Emeryville to Chicago was $316.21. Considering the distance between Emeryville and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $323.56 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Emeryville to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Emeryville to Chicago will cost between $225 and $545. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Emeryville to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Emeryville to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $278. If you're thinking of traveling from Emeryville to Chicago during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $428 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 Emeryville to Chicago on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $323.56 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Emeryville to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Emeryville to Chicago, including Amtrak, Amtrak California Zephyr. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 63h 6m | $421.20 |
| Amtrak California Zephyr | 1 | 52h 14m | $429.48 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Emeryville to Chicago every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $215.
Amtrak California Zephyr is one of the longest train routes in the United States, spanning from Chicago to Emeryville. With views of the Colorado and Mississippi rivers, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Rockies, it highlights some of the most stunning views the US has.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Emeryville to Chicago
There are 6 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.
TRIPS PER DAY
6
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Emeryville and Chicago is approximately 1847 miles, or 2972 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 61 hours and 8 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
1847
DISTANCE (KM)
2972
The earliest train departs Emeryville at 4:20am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:15pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:20am
LATEST TRAIN
10:15pm
Trains from Emeryville to Chicago 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 traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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 buses 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 does the train leave from in Emeryville?
Main departure station: 5885 Horton St
There is one train station in Emeryville.
All train stations in Emeryville:
- 5885 Horton St
Where does the train arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival 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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Emeryville?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Emeryville
Continue by train from Chicago
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.