Trains from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA

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FriApr 26
from $200
SatApr 27
from $200
SunApr 28
from $200
MonApr 29
from $200
TueApr 30
from $200
WedMay 1
from $200
ThuMay 2
FriMay 3

Next departures to Chicago

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest + Fastest
    Departure time: April 26 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: April 28 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: San Francisco, CA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: Duration:
    $200
  • This trip is recommended because it is: 2nd Cheapest
    Departure time: April 26 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: April 29 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: San Francisco, CA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: Duration:
    $346
  • Departure time: April 26 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: April 28 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: San Francisco, CA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: Duration:
    $364
  • Departure time: April 26 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: April 28 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: San Francisco, CA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: Duration:
    $384
  • Departure time: April 26 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: April 29 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: San Francisco, CA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: Duration:
    $460
Train Chicago to San Francisco: Trip Overview

Train Chicago to San Francisco: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$269
Average train trip duration2d 9h
Number of daily trains4
Earliest train departure1:52 PM
Distance1849 miles (2982 km)
Latest train departure3:05 PM
Please note, this information is subject to change.
Train Companies

Train Companies

US train company: Brightline

Chicago to San Francisco Trains

Information on this train trip

Daily Trains4
Earliest and Latest Train Departures1:52PM - 3:05PM
Minimum Price$200
Average Ticket Price$269
Minimum Trip Duration2d5h
Average Train Trip Duration2d9h
Distance1849 miles (2982 km)
Train Companies on This RouteAmtrak
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for your trip Chicago - San Francisco

The average train ticket price from Chicago to San Francisco is $269. The best way to find train tickets from Chicago to San Francisco is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

A train trip between Chicago and San Francisco is around 2d 9h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 5h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1852 miles that separates the two cities.

The number of trains from Chicago to San Francisco can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to San Francisco by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

When taking the train from Chicago to San Francisco, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Once in San Francisco, you can exploring the city. The top sights and things to do are Legion of Honor, Alcatraz, Walt Disney Family Museum, City Segway Tours of San Francisco, Chinatown.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
04/23
$136
Today
$165
04/25
No data
04/26
No data
04/27
$199
04/28
$164
04/29
No data
04/30
No data
The cheapest trip from Chicago to San Francisco was searched and found on Apr 23, 2024 with a price of $136

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to San Francisco, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $136 to $356 for a train ticket from Chicago to San Francisco based on the last 1 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $164 which is on 2024-04-28.

About Train Travel

Train Travel Tips

Taking the fastest trains allows you to travel at speeds greater than 300 km/h. Taking a trip from Chicago to San Francisco is not only much quicker but more comfortable too! You can usually travel directly to the city centre and save time while you're at it.

No matter if you plan to take a regional or high-speed train to San Francisco, the planet will thank you. You’ll help to protect the beautiful landscapes that will unfold before your very eyes.

By choosing the train between Chicago and San Francisco, you emit up to 30 times less CO2 than for the same journey made by plane or car!

Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your train trip from Chicago to San Francisco while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.

Did you know?

One of the deepest train stations in the world is in Kiev. Located at a depth of 105 m, it was designed in this way to serve as a shelter in the event of an attack. The second deepest station is in China. Badaling station is located 60 m under the Great Wall of China!

Some trains in Sweden can recover more than a fifth of the energy they use by braking. This is especially true with ore trains as they descend from Narvik to Kiruna.

You can find dogs as passengers on the trains of Moscow, where there is a large number of stray dogs. Over time, the dogs have learned the inner workings of the rail system and it is not uncommon to find one traveling between the city and the suburbs.

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