Next departures to San Francisco
One passenger / one way
- This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest + FastestDeparture time: 29 April atDeparture city: ChicagoDeparture location: Chicago (Union Station), ILArrival time: 1 May atDestination city: San FranciscoDestination location: Mission St & Fremont StOperated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: - Departure time: 29 April atDeparture city: ChicagoDeparture location: Chicago (Union Station), ILArrival time: 1 May atDestination city: San FranciscoDestination location: Mission St & Fremont StOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: BusDuration:
- Departure time: 29 April atDeparture city: ChicagoDeparture location: Chicago (Union Station), ILArrival time: 1 May atDestination city: San FranciscoDestination location: Mission St & Fremont StOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: BusDuration:
- Departure time: 29 April atDeparture city: ChicagoDeparture location: Chicago (Union Station), ILArrival time: 1 May atDestination city: San FranciscoDestination location: Mission St & Fremont StOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: BusDuration:
- Departure time: 29 April atDeparture city: ChicagoDeparture location: Chicago (Union Station), ILArrival time: 2 May atDestination city: San FranciscoDestination location: Mission St & Fremont StOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: BusDuration:
Accepted payments
Compare 2 ways to travel from Chicago to San Francisco
Busbud recommends taking the bus from Chicago to San FranciscoAmong the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach San Francisco. The journey takes about 2 days, 10 hours 55 minutes and with fares starting at just US$109, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train Chicago to San Francisco: Trip Overview
Please note, this information is subject to change.
Train Companies
Based on 5081 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at US$120.00
Chicago to San Francisco Train
With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a train from Chicago to San Francisco is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of train fares and train schedules to find the best deals.
Train services from Chicago to San Francisco will be provided by the most trusted companies.
Whether it is train tickets or first class train tickets going to San Francisco from Chicago, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.
Frequently asked questions on the trip Chicago - San Francisco
How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to San Francisco cost?
The average train ticket price from Chicago to San Francisco is US$261. The best way to find cheap 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!
How long is the train trip from Chicago to San Francisco?
A train trip between Chicago and San Francisco is around 2d 10h, 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.
How many daily train are there between Chicago and San Francisco?
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 include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to San Francisco by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Chicago to San Francisco was searched and found on 30 Apr 2025 with a price of US$166To 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 US$166 to US$2,124 for a train ticket from Chicago to San Francisco based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$166, which is on 2025-04-30.
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 105m, 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 60m 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 travelling between the city and the suburbs.
Top Travelled Train Routes
Why choose Busbud?
The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets
Busbud makes bus travel easy. We help travellers find a bus, plot routes, and book intercity bus tickets all over the world. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.
People from around the world trust Busbud
Popular Trains Connecting Chicago
Trains Leaving from Chicago
Popular Trains Connecting San Francisco
Trains Going to San Francisco
Popular train trips
Top Routes Worldwide
- Train from Richmond to Richmond
- Train from Salisbury to Salisbury
- Train from Wilmington to Wilmington
- Train from Niagara Falls to Ontario
- Train from Washington to Leavenworth
- Train from Washington to Everett
- Train from New York to Saratoga Springs
- Train from Seattle to Washington
- Train from Jacksonville to Jacksonville
- Train from Montgomery to Washington
- Train from Newark to Essex
- Train from Ventura to Simi Valley
- Train from Fayetteville to Cumberland
- Train from Bellingham to Washington
- Train from Oxnard to Ventura