Cheap train tickets from Sacramento to Chicago

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Trip Summary

There are usually 9 daily train trips available from Sacramento to Chicago. Traveling by train from Sacramento to Chicago usually takes 2 days, 15 hours, and 6 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak California Zephyr train can make the trip in 2 days, 2 hours, and 16 minutes.

Distance: 1789 mi (2879 km)
Fastest train: 50h 16m
Lowest price: CZK 4,567.16
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Sacramento to Chicago Train Schedule

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

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Sacramento to Chicago.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCZK 8,858.34	Avg. PriceCZK 6,773.68Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips9	Daily Trips3
Duration	Duration63h 6m	Duration56h 40mFaster

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Sacramento to Chicago (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

Luis

May 9, 2025 - Visiting friends

Amtrak California Zephyr

Pros: View. Cons: Staff. Tips: Get there 30 minutes early.

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

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Chicago was CZK 6,393. Considering the distance between Sacramento and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 7,656.16 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to Chicago by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Sacramento to Chicago will cost between CZK 4,459 and CZK 8,701. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to Chicago by month

Ticket prices for the train from Sacramento to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only CZK 6,797. If you're thinking of traveling from Sacramento to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 10,303 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Sacramento to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 7,656.16 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Sacramento to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Sacramento to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 8 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	8	64h 50m	CZK 8,575.94
Amtrak California Zephyr	1	50h 18m	CZK 10,953.29

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 8 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to Chicago every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 4,805.26.
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 Sacramento to Chicago

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Sacramento 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.

There are 9 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Sacramento 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 Sacramento. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Sacramento to Chicago for CZK 5,520.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Sacramento and Chicago is approximately 1,789 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 15 hours, and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 2 hours, and 16 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)

1789

Distance (km)

2879

The earliest train departs Sacramento at 6:48 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 11:49 PM. 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

6:48am

Last train

11:49pm

Trains from Sacramento to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

Sacramento

As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.

Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.

The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.

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 Sacramento?

Main departure station: Valley Station - 401 I St

Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.

All train stations in Sacramento:

Valley Station - 401 I St

Where is the train station 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 Sacramento?

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