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San Francisco → Chicago

Good price

past 2 months
$318 right now
low $269 · typical $358 · high $447

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About the San Francisco to Chicago Train Route

Amtrak train tickets from San Francisco to Chicago currently range from $318 to $486. Prices vary based on travel date, time of day, and how far in advance you book.

We've tracked the cheapest daily fare on this route over recent months: it has dipped as low as $269 and climbed as high as $447, with a typical low of about $358. On the San Francisco to Chicago route, anything under $358 is a good deal worth booking.

Tips for Finding Cheap San Francisco to Chicago Train Tickets

  • Book early — Amtrak fares generally increase as the travel date approaches. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead often yields the best prices.
  • Be flexible with dates — Midweek travel (Tuesday-Thursday) is typically cheaper than weekends and holidays.
  • Compare departure times — Early morning and late evening trains often have lower fares than peak-hour departures.
  • Set a price alert — We track prices daily and can notify you the moment fares drop below your target price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the train from San Francisco to Chicago cost?

Fares currently range from $318 to $486. Prices depend on service class, travel date, and how far in advance you book.

Can I get price alerts for San Francisco to Chicago trains?

Yes. Buy a Single Trip to monitor one route, or start Pro to monitor up to 10 trips at once with hourly checks, date ranges, time filters, and SMS alerts.

More Amtrak routes from San Francisco

San Francisco → San Jose $16San Francisco → Sacramento $27San Francisco → Los Angeles $46San Francisco → Washington DC $480San Francisco → New York $504San Francisco → Denver $1229

Other Amtrak routes to Chicago

Champaign → Chicago $27Milwaukee → Chicago $30Normal → Chicago $30Springfield IL → Chicago $35Battle Creek → Chicago $47Ann Arbor → Chicago $48Carbondale → Chicago $52Quincy → Chicago $52Holland → Chicago $53Kalamazoo → Chicago $56

See all routes from San Francisco or to Chicago.