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Chicago to Salt Lake City train

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Chicago - Salt Lake City Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Chicago to Salt Lake City. The train trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City is usually about 34 hours and 13 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak California Zephyr train can get you there in as little as 34 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance1257 mi (2023 km)
Fastest train34h 5m
Lowest price$85.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak California Zephyr
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Salt Lake City

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Maureen

September 5, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak California Zephyr

Cons: Allow passengers to book their own seats before travel rather than allocating seats on arrival. Tips: Take a travel pillow and blanket. The train was very cold at night. Also be warned - the coffee is barely drinkable! No WiFi is also a problem.

5.0

Julie

March 6, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak California Zephyr

Pros: Cabin attendant Danny was especially attentive and informative. Food was really good. Cons: Slightly comfier beds and reduce the water pressure on the wash hand basin tap. It did splash about. But most of all free wifi would be a smart improvement. Tips: Make sure you have plenty of memory space on cell phone to take such amazing scenery photos.

4.0

Daphne

September 7, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak California Zephyr

Pros: Comfy. Cons: Floor could have been mopped in the snack area bottom floor. It was sticky. Tips: Na.

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Salt Lake City?

The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to Salt Lake City is $106.93, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 10 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $122.18 more.

Average prices by travel date

$195$130$65AprMay

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City will range from $100 to $187. If you're planning to travel by train to Salt Lake City in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Chicago you can find in the next 7 days is $100. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$425$340$255$170$85MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for April if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Salt Lake City. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $160. If you're planning a trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $416 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$300$240$180$120$603020100

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time, you can save about $122.18 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Salt Lake City?

Amtrak California Zephyr is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Salt Lake City. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak California Zephyr11d 10h 14m$123.92

  • 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

The distance between Chicago and Salt Lake City is approximately 1257 miles, or 2023 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 34 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 34 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.

Trains departing from Chicago to Salt Lake City tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 2:00pm and arrives in Salt Lake City around 34 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Salt Lake City with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Salt Lake City to Chicago.

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.

Salt Lake City

A city shrouded in a mystical veil to most visitors, Salt Lake City stands among one of the most culturally unique destinations in the U.S. Salt Lake City offers tourists a unique chance to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Temple Square is the best place to do so. Housing the Salt Lake Temple along with other significant historic buildings, the square will take you back to the earliest days of the city, immersing you in a unique cultural experience. While here, don’t miss out on the chance to visit the Great Salt Lake itself and to dive into its cool and refreshing water.

Salt Lake City features a diverse food scene, with Mexican food receiving a lot of attention. Those who wish to enjoy the best Mexican dishes in town could try Red Iguana. For travelers who are simply looking for the best burgers, Crown Burgers’ char-broiled patties will certainly be a great choice.

The Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub is the central transportation hub in the city. It is currently served by several rail services such as Amtrak, TRAX, and FrontRunner. Travelers can also catch Greyhound buses at the station. The Salt Lake City International Airport is the main airport for the city. Located about 4 miles west of Downtown, the airport is a major gateway to the Mountain West and the West Coast region.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where is the train station in Salt Lake City?

340 S 600 W - SLCAMT-0

Image credit: vxla

Link to image attribution
340 S 600 W - SLCAMT-1

Image credit: Garrett

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 340 S 600 W

The Amtrak Station is a part of Salt Lake Central Station, the principal transportation hub in Salt Lake City. The station is within walking distance from the Bus Terminal, allowing you to easily transfer to bus service on Amtrak Thruway or Jefferson Lines. Along with UTA commuter rail, the station serves Amtrak’s California Zephyr on its journey from Emeryville to Chicago. A park-and-ride lot is available across the street, and travelers can rent bikes from the on-site bicycle sharing service, Greenbike. However you get around town, you’ll appreciate the convenience of the Amtrak station, located less than a mile from the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

All train stations in Salt Lake City:

  • 340 S 600 W

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