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San Francisco, CA, USA to Chicago, IL, USA from $91: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States
to
Chicago, United States

How to Get from San Francisco to Chicago: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$91 - PlaneBest price
2996.2 kmDistance
6h 6m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Chicago with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  6m
Estimated price
$110-485
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
9h  31m
Estimated price
$91-459
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 2996.2 km
Duration: 6h 6m

See more options

Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
56h  8m
Estimated price
$30-320
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
49h  5m
Estimated price
$104-655
Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
7h  34m
Estimated price
$110-767
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  27m
Estimated price
$120-465
Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
7h  51m
Estimated price
$130-477
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  19m
Estimated price
$152-476
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
32h  40m
Estimated price
$380-600
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Francisco to Chicago

Traveling from San Francisco to Chicago offers you a chance to experience the laid-back coastal vibes of California juxtaposed with the vibrant, bustling energy of the Windy City.

Best Neighbourhoods in Chicago

Chicago's neighborhoods each offer distinct experiences that showcase the city's diversity.

Wicker Park
• Hip music scene with trendy bars and venues.
• Plenty of boutique shops and local art galleries.
Lincoln Park
• Home to beautiful parks and the renowned zoo.
• Vibrant dining options along Lincoln Avenue.
South Loop
• Close to major museums and the lakeshore.
• Great mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Best Times To Visit Chicago's Attractions

Timing your visits to Chicago's top attractions can elevate your experience and reduce wait times.

The Art Institute of Chicago
Visit on weekdays during the morning for a quieter experience and fewer tourists.
Millennium Park
Early mornings or weekday afternoons are ideal for enjoying the park without large crowds.
Navy Pier
Visit during off-peak hours in the late afternoon to enjoy attractions with shorter lines.

Chicago Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Chicago experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the best times to visit for pleasant weather. Understanding how the weather shifts with the seasons can help shape your travel plans and enhance your overall experience in the city.

Chicago Dining Recommendations

For a true Chicago experience, try the deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, where the thick buttery crust contrasts sharply with San Francisco's lighter, sourdough-based pizzas. Enjoying this hearty dish in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere showcases the city's rich comfort food tradition, offering a satisfying experience that's distinctly different from the coastal culinary styles of San Francisco.

San Francisco - Chicago operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Chicago, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Richmond to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration
49h 3m
Estimated price
$100-650

Train from Richmond to Sacramento

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$3-75
Bus
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
8h 5m
Estimated price
$30-85

Bus from Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal to St Louis Bus Station

Average Duration
33h 15m
Estimated price
$170-320

Bus from St Louis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station

Average Duration
6h 39m
Estimated price
$35-85

Bus from Bakersfield to Las Vegas Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration
5h 23m
Estimated price
$0-0
Plane
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago Midway (MDW)

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$150-550

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration
4h 19m
Estimated price
$190-600
Website
delta.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago Midway (MDW)

Average Duration
7h 47m
Estimated price
$190-420

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration
5h 57m
Estimated price
$140-320
Website
aa.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration
4h 16m
Estimated price
$200-550

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration
4h 3m
Estimated price
$170-480
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago Midway (MDW)

Average Duration
4h 11m
Estimated price
$100-480
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration
4h 21m
Estimated price
$170-550
Website
spirit.com

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration
6h 2m
Estimated price
$120-490

San Francisco to Chicago: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Francisco and Chicago offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from San Francisco to Chicago covering a distance of 3450.4 km. 🌉 Enjoy the diverse landscapes as you journey approximately 32 hours and 40 minutes through multiple states. 💸 Experience varying price ranges of $380 to $600 for the adventure from San Francisco to Chicago by car. 🛣️ 🏙️ Arrive in the vibrant city of Chicago after a memorable cross-country drive from San Francisco. 🌆 Explore the iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and famous deep-dish pizza as you bask in the excitement of the Windy City.
Average price
$380 - $600
🚆 On this journey from San Francisco to Chicago by train, travelers will embark on a scenic route that spans over 2 days and 5 hours, covering a distance of 3913.9 km. There is one transfer involved, starting with a subway ride towards Richmond from Civic Center / UN Plaza. 🎫 The ticket prices for a train journey from San Francisco to Chicago can range from $104 to $655, depending on the class and availability.
Departure Point
Richmond station
Arrival Point
Chicago Union Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: When traveling from San Francisco to Chicago via Amtrak, you'll enjoy a diverse range of catering services. The onboard dining car offers meals made from locally sourced ingredients, including vegetarian options. In addition, there is a snack bar with grab-and-go items and beverages. If you're in a Sleeper class, room service is available for breakfast and dinner.
• Seating Options: For your journey, Amtrak provides several seating options. You can choose from Coach Class which is economical and comes with reclining seats. Business Class offers more spacious seating and complimentary snacks. First Class provides the most luxury with wider seats, more legroom, and private sleeping compartments. Consider booking a sleeper car if you prefer more comfort for your long journey.
• Multiple Operators: While Amtrak is the primary operator offering this route, you can check their schedule and book your tickets via their official website, amtrak.com If you're looking for alternatives, don't miss out on browsing options with private charter services or bus operators like Greyhound at greyhound.com for portions of your journey.
🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Chicago is a quick journey with a direct flight taking only 4 hours. Several airlines like Frontier Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines offer routes between the two cities. 🌆 Upon arrival in Chicago, you will land at Midway Airport after approximately 6 hours and 6 minutes of travel time. 💸 Prices for flights between Chicago and San Francisco can range from $110 to $485, allowing flexibility for different budgets and travel preferences.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Chicago Midway Airport
🗺️ While there is no direct bus from San Francisco to Chicago, the journey takes approximately 2 days and 8 hours, providing an opportunity for travelers to witness the changing landscapes and experience the charm of different locations along the way.
Departure Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Arrival Point
Chicago Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Chicago.

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The distance between San Francisco and Chicago is approximately 3003 km by air. The typical travel time by plane is around 6 hours and 21 minutes. If you prefer a combination of train and plane, it takes about 9 hours and 12 minutes to reach Chicago from San Francisco. The road distance is 3451 km, and it usually takes around 32 hours and 40 minutes to drive between the two cities.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Chicago is to take the train and then fly. This option typically costs between $80 and $650 and takes approximately 9 hours and 12 minutes. However, if time is of the essence, the fastest option would be to fly directly from San Francisco to Chicago. This option typically costs between $150 and $430 and takes approximately 6 hours and 19 minutes.
The prices for a train between San Francisco and Chicago can range from $104 to $655 depending on factors such as the class of service and the time of travel. On the other hand, the prices for a bus between Chicago and San Francisco can range from $268 to $571 depending on the bus company and the type of ticket.
You can get from San Francisco to Chicago by driving. The road distance is approximately 3450 km, and it takes approximately 32 hours and 40 minutes to drive non-stop. The cost of a car trip from San Francisco to Chicago can vary between $380 and $600 depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from San Francisco to Chicago without a car, the best options are by train, plane, or bus. Taking the train is a scenic option, but it can be time-consuming, taking approximately 2 days and 5 hours. Flying is the fastest option, taking around 6 hours and 21 minutes, but it may be more expensive. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes approximately 2 days and 8 hours, but it is usually a more affordable option.
No, there is no direct train or bus link between San Francisco and Chicago. The train journey takes approximately 2 days and 5 hours with transfers at Richmond and Chicago Union Station. Similarly, the bus journey takes approximately 2 days and 8 hours with transfers in Los Angeles and St Louis.
The flight between San Francisco and Chicago typically takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes. The prices for flights between the two cities can vary, with fares ranging from $95 to $415.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Chicago. With over 1116 hotels to choose from, there is something to fit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Chicago start at $58 per night, making it affordable for travelers looking for a place to stay.