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Train Chicago, IL - San Francisco, CA prices from $221.93
Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA by train
The journey from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA by train is 1,855.87 mi and takes 54 hr 55 min. There are 1 connections per day, with the first departure at 11:00 AM and the last at 11:00 AM. It is possible to travel from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA by train for as little as $221.93 or as much as $230.24. The best price for this journey is $221.93.
| Lowest Price | $221.93 |
| Journey Duration | 54 hr 55 min |
| Connection per Day | 1 |
| Lowest Price | $221.93 |
| Highest Price | $230.24 |
| First Departure | 11:00 AM |
| Last Departure | 11:00 AM |
| Distance | 1,855.87 mi |
| Departure | Chicago, IL |
| Arrival | San Francisco, CA |
| Carriers | Amtrak, Greyhound |
Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA Train Times
Quick and easy travel from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA with Virail
Virail helps thousands of travelers plan their journeys every year. How? It's easy. Just enter the dates on which you plan to travel from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA. Our powerful engine will look at the data from thousands of travel providers, then show you all the available routes. You can choose to travel however you want. Decide on the type of transport you want to use, what time of day you'd like to set off and whether you'd like a direct journey or one with connections. When you've found your ideal route, Virail will redirect you to the web page of the provider. There, you can make your booking, then it's time to prepare for your trip.
How much do train tickets from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA cost?
On average, a train ticket from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA will cost you $226.08. However, there may be cheaper alternatives available. Virail will show you the lowest prices available for your chosen travel dates, which could be as little as $221.93. If you are trying to stick to a budget, there are several ways you can seek out lower ticket prices. For example, if your travel dates are flexible, you might find that some days of the week are cheaper than others. Traveling during peak season will usually cost more, so avoid that if you want to save money. Even the time of day can affect the price of tickets sometimes. You can also look for an indirect route, which may be cheaper than a direct connection. Often, the cheapest train tickets can be found by booking well in advance. However, be mindful that many companies do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest tickets.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
The prices for train tickets from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA vary depending on a range of factors including how far in advance you're booking, your travel dates, and the type of transport you want to use. On certain routes, there may be different classes available, which will also affect the price. The average train ticket price is approximately $226.08. For the lowest prices, it is usually best to book as far in advance as possible and look out for low-cost options, such as non-refundable tickets or traveling outside of peak hours. Be aware that some providers do not offer refunds or changes on their lower priced tickets, so it is advised to check before completing your transaction.
How long will it take me to travel from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA by train?
The average journey time is 54 hr 55 min. This is how long it takes to cross the 1,855.87 mi from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA. When planning your journey, remember that delays are a possibility. Some unplanned events could cause your journey from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA to take longer than 54 hr 55 min. The journey between Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA by train usually takes 54 hr 55 min to cover a distance of 1,855.87 mi. The shortest journey from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA will take you 54 hr 55 min. Remember, as always, that this time does not include any delays that might occur due to weather conditions, construction, or unexpected diversions and disruptions. If arriving in San Francisco, CA quickly is a priority for you, look for express or non-stop services. You may also find that a connecting route reaches your destination faster than some direct journeys. Virail will allow you to explore all your options and come to a decision that suits your needs.
When do the first and last departures from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA leave?
If you prefer to travel early, you will usually find the first departure from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA leaving at 11:00 AM. Although things may change depending on the day, in general the last daily departure leaves at 11:00 AM.If you have some flexibility over the day on which you travel, you might find more options available to you. For example, some providers may only run early morning routes on weekdays, when people are traveling to work. You will often find fewer options available on weekends or public holidays. If you prefer to travel at night, you will usually find the first departure from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA leaving at 11:00 AM. Although things may change depending on the day, in general the last departure of the night leaves at 11:00 AM.If you have some flexibility over the day on which you travel, you might find more options available to you. For example, some providers may only run early morning routes on weekdays, when people are traveling to work. You will often find fewer options available on weekends or public holidays.
When traveling from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA by train, which stations can I use?
Depending on the type of transport, and the provider you decide to use for your journey, you will be able to depart Chicago, IL from the following stations: O Hare International Airport, ORD,Chicago Rockford International Airport,Chicago Midway International Airport,Chicago Union Station. Arriving at San Francisco, CA, your route will pass through all or some of the following stations: San Francisco, CA, Union Square,San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street,San Francisco, Stonestown. Not all transport providers serve every station, so check in advance to see exactly where your route takes you. You may need to use another form of transport to get from one station to another or to your final destination when you arrive in San Francisco, CA.
How many journeys from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA take place each day?
On average, there are 1 daily departures from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 0 departures from Chicago, IL which travel directly to San Francisco, CA. There are 1 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.
Compare prices and tickets from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
Book in advance and save
If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.
Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys
Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA.
Always check special offers
Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.
Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains
If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.
Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average
Best time to book cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
The cheapest Chicago, IL - San Francisco, CA train tickets can be found for as low as $128.12 if you’re lucky, or $191.47 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $289.83.
Find the best day to travel to San Francisco, CA by train
When travelling to San Francisco, CA by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!
Carriers on this route
Find out more about the carriers on this route.
Amtrak, formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, is a U.S. government-owned entity that delivers intercity passenger train services across the country. Operating over 300 trains daily, Amtrak connects more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces. Its services include a variety of routes, from short-distance commuter lines to extended journeys featuring sleeper car accommodations.
Greyhound is a bus company that provides intercity transportation services across North America. Founded in 1914, it is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation in the United States and Canada, serving over 3,800 destinations. Greyhound operates on popular routes such as New York to Boston, Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and Boston to New York.
Ticket types and facilities from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA
Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by Amtrak when traveling from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA.
Coach
Coach Class passengers enjoy reclining seats with plenty of legroom and fold-down tray tables, along with outlets for electronic devices. They also have access to the Cafe car for food and beverages, along with carry-on baggage service and, on some routes, checked baggage service.
WiFi 
Power sockets 
Luggage 
Accessibility 
Food and drink 
Air conditioning 
Bicycle First Class
On Acela trains, First Class passengers enjoy all the benefits of Business Class with further enhancements. The seats are adjustable leather with extra space for comfort. There is also a complimentary meal service delivered directly to the passengers' seats. First Class travelers have access to ClubAcela lounges at select stations. WiFi 
Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Business
Stepping up to Business Class, passengers receive all the amenities of Coach Class plus additional legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. They also gain access to lounges at select stations for a more relaxed wait before boarding. WiFi Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Facility Description
Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.
WiFi Free basic WiFi available in select trains and stations. Some include Acela, Adirondack (not available in Canada), Amtrak Cascades (not available in Canada), Amtrak Hartford Line, Auto Train, Blue Water, Capitol Corridor, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan, Allen Express, Hiawatha Service, Illini/Saluki, and Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg
WiFi 
Quiet zone Quiet Cars, designed for limited conversation and subdued tones, are available on various trains like Acela, Northeast Regional, and more. The atmosphere is calm with low lighting. Seating follows first-come, first-served and one seat per person policies.
First Class Rooms: For those seeking privacy and space, First Class private rooms are an available option. Quiet zone Power sockets Electric outlets are distributed on trains. For example, Superliner and Viewliner sleepers provide outlets in Roomettes and Bedrooms. Power sockets Air conditioning All trains are air-conditioned. In coaches, temperature is staff-controlled. Sleeper cars offer air temperature adjustments, with vent positioning recommended for comfort. Air conditioning Luggage On Amtrak, regardless of your ticket type, you can typically bring two carry-on bags and two personal items. Just make sure your carry-ons are within 28 x 22 x 14 inches and under 50 lbs. Some locations even allow up to four checked bags: two come free, and two for $20 each, but they should stay under 75 linear inches and 50 lbs. You can also check in overweight luggage, up to 70 lbs and 100 linear inches, for an additional $20 fee. Luggage Accessibility All trains accommodate passengers with disabilities. Features include accessible seats with extra room and areas where passengers can remain in their wheelchairs. Accessibility Food and drink Trains offer various dining options, from meals to café services. Meal service is available for passengers with disabilities. Guidelines are present for personal food, beverages, and medication. Nutritional and allergen information provided for menu items. Food and drink Bicycle Amtrak accommodates various types of special equipment with certain conditions. Bicycles are allowed on many routes, often requiring a reservation and small fee. Wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices are accepted on all trains, with specific accessible seating and bedrooms available. Small musical instruments can be carried on if they fit under the seat or overhead rack, while larger ones must meet carry-on restrictions or be checked. Some sports equipment, like skis or golf clubs, can be carried on or checked depending on size. Bicycle | Facilities | Amtrak | Greyhound | Burlington Trailways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiet zone |  |  | |
| WiFi | | | |
| Power sockets | | | |
| Luggage | | | |
| Accessibility | | | |
| Food and drink | | | |
| Air conditioning | | | |
| Bicycle | | | |
 Sleeper | | | |
Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA CO2 Emissions by Train
Anything we can improve?