Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Fresno

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Fresno. Traveling by train from Chicago to Fresno usually takes 64 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 52 hours and 26 minutes.

Distance: 1744 mi (2806 km)
Fastest train: 52h 26m
Lowest price: NOK 1,890.51
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Chicago to Fresno Train Schedule

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

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

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceNOK 3,103.19	Avg. PriceNOK 3,097.30Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips6
Duration	Duration64h 3m	Duration58h 8mFaster

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

Amtrak tickets: NOK 1,891 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Fresno was NOK 2,739.72. Considering the distance between Chicago and Fresno, 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 NOK 1,068.38 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Fresno by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Fresno will cost between NOK 2,157 and NOK 3,553. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Fresno by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Fresno 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 NOK 2,955. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Fresno during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 4,180 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 Fresno on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 1,068.38 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Fresno?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Fresno. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	64h 3m	NOK 3,103.21

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 3 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Fresno every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 1,890.51.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Fresno

There are 3 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 Fresno to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Fresno for NOK 1,496.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Fresno is approximately 1744 miles, or 2806 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 64 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 52 hours and 26 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)

1744

Distance (km)

2806

The earliest train departs Chicago at 1:30pm while the last train of the day leaves at 2:10pm. 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

2:10pm

Trains from Chicago to Fresno 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Saturday

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 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.

Fresno

Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.

Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.

Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s Gold Runner line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city center.

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 Fresno?

Main arrival station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St

Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St - FNOAMT-0

Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St - FNOAMT-1

The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak Gold Runner train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.

All train stations in Fresno:

Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St

Need a return trip from Fresno to Chicago?

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