Chicago, IL, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $60: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Chicago to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$60 - PlaneBest price
3000 kmDistance
6h 36m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to San Francisco 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.
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Traveling From Chicago to San Francisco
Chicago offers a vibrant city life with its iconic architecture and deep-dish pizza, while San Francisco presents stunning coastal views and a laid-back atmosphere filled with tech innovation.
Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco
San Francisco's neighborhoods each offer distinct personalities and attractions for visitors.
Mission District
• Known for its vibrant street art scene.
• Home to some of the city's best tacos.
Chinatown
• The oldest Chinatown in North America.
• Offers a rich cultural experience with shops and cuisine.
Nob Hill
• Features stunning views of the city skyline.
• Known for its historic hotels and elegant architecture.
Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions
Navigating San Francisco's attractions is easier with the right timing for your visit.
Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings or late afternoons offer stunning views and fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Weekdays are less crowded; book early morning or late afternoon tours.
Fisherman's Wharf
Visit in the morning for a quieter experience before lunch crowds.
San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Francisco has a mild climate with cool summers and foggy mornings, making layers a smart choice for your wardrobe. The best times to visit typically fall during fall and spring when the weather is pleasant, enhancing your travel experience.
Dining Recommendation in San Francisco
Try the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl from Fisherman’s Wharf, which showcases the fresh seafood of the Bay Area and offers a casual waterfront vibe. This contrasts with Chicago's hearty dishes by providing a lighter, ocean-inspired flavor profile that highlights the city's unique access to local ingredients.
Chicago - San Francisco operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
6h 36mEstimated price
$60-226Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
7hEstimated price
$220-566Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Oakland (OAK)
Average Duration
6h 55mEstimated price
$282-717Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
8h 34mEstimated price
$80-348Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Chicago Union Station to Richmond
Average Duration
48h 4mEstimated price
$104-629Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus Station
Average Duration
6h 20mEstimated price
$35-85Bus from St Louis Bus Station to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal
Average Duration
34h 30mEstimated price
$170-320Bus from Las Vegas Amtrak Bus Stop to Bakersfield Train Station
Average Duration
5h 47mEstimated price
$30-80Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to San Francisco Bus Station
Average Duration
7h 30mEstimated price
$30-80Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
bart.gov
Other from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza
Average Duration
1h 5mEstimated price
$6-10Chicago to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and San Francisco 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 an epic cross-country road trip from Chicago to San Francisco covering a distance of 3448.8 km.
💸 Enjoy the flexibility of choosing between a range of price options, ranging from $380 to $600 for the entire trip.
🌉 Arrive in the vibrant city of San Francisco after approximately 32 hours and 38 minutes of driving. Take in the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the bustling streets, and indulge in delicious food to cap off your unforgettable road trip experience.
Average price
$380 - $600
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Chicago to San Francisco, with a brief stop in Richmond.
🛤️ Enjoy the approximately 2-day adventure crossing over 3913.9 km with a few transfers along the way.
🎟️ Ticket prices for the Chicago to San Francisco train ride range from $104 to $629, providing an affordable and relaxing travel option for those looking to explore the beauty of both cities in a leisurely manner.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
Richmond station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On Amtrak's service from Chicago to San Francisco, you can enjoy a variety of catering services aboard the train. The 'Diner' service offers freshly prepared meals with a rotating menu featuring regional cuisine. Additionally, the 'Cafe Car' provides a selection of snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals available for purchase. While dining in the restaurant car can be a delightful experience, make sure to check the meal schedule, as service times can vary during the trip.
• On this route, Amtrak offers three types of seating: 'Coach,' 'Business Class,' and 'First Class' (which may be classified under Sleeper Accommodations). Coach seats are affordable but do not offer as much space. Business Class seats provide more legroom and include complimentary snacks and beverages. If you opt for a Sleeper Accommodation, you’ll enjoy spacious private rooms with beds, a personal attendant, and meals included in your fare, enhancing your travel experience.
• For this train route, Amtrak is the primary operator. You can find more information on their scheduling and booking at amtrak.com Alternatively, check out other services, such as Greyhound (greyhound.com) for additional travel options once you arrive in San Francisco. Useful local transport information can also be accessed through the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) website (bart.gov), which connects to various parts of the city.
• Upon arrival at San Francisco’s Emeryville Station, expect limited facilities; however, you can leave luggage at the station through the Amtrak Thruway service if you're continuing your journey. The station has restrooms available but does not offer shower facilities. For a convenient connection to the city center, you can take the Emery Go Round shuttle (Line D) directly to the MacArthur BART station, which takes about 25 minutes. BART trains (Line Red or Yellow) will then take you to various stops in downtown San Francisco.
🛫 Flying from Chicago to San Francisco is a convenient option with the quickest direct flight taking just 4 hours and 35 minutes from Chicago Midway Airport to San Francisco Airport.
💸 The prices for flights between San Francisco and Chicago can vary, with tickets typically ranging from $60 to $226, making it accessible for different budgets and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The journey from Chicago to San Francisco by bus takes approximately 2 days and 9 hours with multiple transfers along the way.
Departure Point
Chicago Bus Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to San Francisco.
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The cheapest way to get from Chicago to San Francisco is by flying. The cost of a flight can range from $110 to $450 depending on the airline and time of booking. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to San Francisco is by flying. With a flight duration of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, you can reach your destination quickly. There are several airlines that offer direct flights between the two cities, giving you a convenient and efficient travel option. The cost of the flight can range from $110 to $450, depending on the airline and booking time.
The distance between Chicago and San Francisco is approximately 3003 km. If you decide to drive, the road distance is approximately 3448 km. The driving time can vary depending on the route and traffic conditions, but it typically takes around 1-2 days to complete the journey. Alternatively, you can choose to fly, which takes about 5-6 hours, depending on the flight route and any layovers.
The most convenient way to travel from Chicago to San Francisco without a car is by train. Amtrak operates the California Zephyr route, which takes approximately 2 days and 4 hours to reach San Francisco. The train journey offers magnificent views of the American Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada. Prices for a one-way ticket range from $100 to $650, depending on the type of accommodation chosen.
The travel time from Chicago to San Francisco is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago to San Francisco is by flying. The flight takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes and can cost anywhere between $110 and $450. However, if you are looking for alternative options, you can also consider taking a train, which takes around 2 days and 4 hours and costs between $100 and $650. Another option is to take a bus, which takes approximately 2 days and 9 hours and can cost between $260 and $600.
There are plenty of accommodation options near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, you will find something to suit your needs and budget. Prices start at $74 per night, offering a variety of choices ranging from budget friendly options to luxury hotels.
Yes, it is possible to drive from Chicago to San Francisco. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 3449 km. The journey typically takes around 32 hours and 38 minutes, depending on traffic and rest stops along the way.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Chicago and San Francisco. However, there are bus services available that include transfers. The journey usually takes around 2 days and 9 hours, with stops at St Louis Bus Station and Los Angeles Downtown.
You can catch the Chicago to San Francisco bus from the Chicago Bus Station. Greyhound USA operates bus services between these two cities and their scheduled departures are from the Chicago Bus Station. It is advisable to check the Greyhound USA website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding departure times and tickets.
The Chicago to San Francisco bus service operated by Flixbus USA arrives at the San Francisco station.
Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines are the main airlines that operate flights between Chicago and San Francisco. Frontier Airlines offers flights from Chicago Midway Airport, while Southwest Airlines also operates from the same airport.
The fastest way to get from Chicago to San Francisco by plane is by taking a direct flight, which typically takes 4 hours and 30 minutes. Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer direct flights from Chicago Midway Airport to San Francisco Airport. The prices for flights between these two cities can range from $110 to $446.
The flight from Chicago to San Francisco typically takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes on a direct flight.
Trains from Chicago to San Francisco arrive at the Richmond station. Richmond is located in the Bay Area and is one of the major train stations serving the San Francisco area. From there, you can easily access other parts of the city or continue your journey to other destinations in California. Richmond Station offers convenient transportation options and amenities to ensure a comfortable arrival experience.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Chicago to San Francisco. However, you can take a train from Chicago Union Station to Richmond and then transfer to a BART train to reach San Francisco's Civic Center/UN Plaza station. This journey typically takes around 2 days and 4 hours, including transfers. Alternatively, flying is a much quicker option, with flights from Chicago to San Francisco taking around 6 hours and 30 minutes and costing between $110 and $450.
To catch the train from Chicago to San Francisco you will need to go to Chicago Union Station. This is where the Amtrak train services depart from.
The cost of a flight from Chicago to San Francisco can vary depending on the airline, time of year, and how far in advance you book. On average, prices can range from $110 to $450.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago to San Francisco can range from $104 to $629 depending on the class of service and how far in advance you book your ticket. For example, a basic economy ticket can be found for around $104, while a first-class ticket can cost upwards of $629.
The cost of a bus from Chicago to San Francisco ranges from $265 to $572.
The cost of driving from Chicago to San Francisco can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices, vehicle efficiency, and toll fees. On average, the cost of gas for a round trip can range from $380 to $600, depending on the type of vehicle and the current price per gallon.
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Trips to Toronto
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