Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Sacramento

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Trip Summary

There are usually 10 daily train trips available from Chicago to Sacramento. Traveling by train from Chicago to Sacramento usually takes 2 days, 19 hours, and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak California Zephyr train can make the trip in 2 days, 3 hours, and 5 minutes.

Distance: 1789 mi (2879 km)
Fastest train: 51h 5m
Lowest price: CZK 3,722.99
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Sacramento Train Schedule

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

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

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCZK 8,441.67	Avg. PriceCZK 6,140.99Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips10	Daily Trips3
Duration	Duration67h 12m	Duration54h 12mFaster

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

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Sacramento was CZK 6,634. Considering the distance between Chicago and Sacramento, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 6,393.16 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Sacramento by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Sacramento will cost between CZK 4,524 and CZK 12,230. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Sacramento by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Sacramento often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only CZK 7,446. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Sacramento during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 10,498 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 Sacramento on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 6,393.16 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Sacramento?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Sacramento. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 9 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	9	68h 21m	CZK 8,140.33
Amtrak California Zephyr	1	51h 8m	CZK 12,663.08

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 9 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Sacramento every day, as well as 10 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 4,329.06.
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 Chicago to Sacramento

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Sacramento. 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 10 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Sacramento. 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 Sacramento to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Sacramento for CZK 3,333.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Sacramento is approximately 1,789 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 19 hours, and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 3 hours, and 5 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 Chicago at 7:40 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 3:05 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

7:40am

Last train

3:05pm

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

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Wednesday

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.

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.

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 Sacramento?

Main arrival 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
1389 10th Street 10th and N Streets

Need a return trip from Sacramento to Chicago?

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