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

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

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$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.

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Traveling From San Francisco to Chicago

The journey from San Francisco to Chicago takes you from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and foggy coastal landscapes to the vibrant city skyline and rich Midwestern culture, offering you a unique blend of experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Chicago

Chicago boasts a diverse array of neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences.

Lincoln Park

• Home to the beautiful Lincoln Park Zoo.

• Trendy shops and restaurants line Armitage Avenue.

Wicker Park

• Renowned for its vibrant art scene and galleries.

• Eclectic nightlife with bars and live music venues.

The Loop

• Center of Chicago’s business and cultural activities.

• Iconic buildings like the Willis Tower and Art Institute.

Best Times To Visit Chicago's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Chicago by timing your visits to popular attractions wisely.

Millennium Park

Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Late afternoons on Thursdays offer extended hours and a relaxing vibe.

Navy Pier

Weekdays during off-peak hours, like mid-afternoon, provide a more leisurely visit.

Chicago Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Chicago experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers that can influence your travel plans significantly; the best times to visit are usually late spring and early fall, when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities abound.

Dining in Chicago: A Flavorful Journey

Try the deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, where the thick crust, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce create a hearty experience that stands in contrast to San Francisco's lighter, farm-to-table fare; the lively atmosphere and local pride in this classic dish make dining in Chicago a memorable adventure.

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 Show train routes

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 Show bus routes

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 Show flights

Website

southwest.com

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

Average Duration

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 an epic road trip from the vibrant streets of San Francisco to the bustling city of Chicago, spanning a distance of 2144 miles. Explore the diverse landscapes and charming towns along the way as you drive for approximately 32 hours and 40 minutes. 💰 Experience the flexibility of road travel with prices ranging from $380 to $600 for the journey from San Francisco to Chicago by car. Enjoy the cost-saving benefits of setting your own pace, stopping at roadside diners or scenic viewpoints, and creating memorable detours along the route.

Average price

$380 - $600

🚆 Starting from San Francisco USA, the train journey to Chicago USA typically takes around 2 days and 5 hours with a transfer at Richmond station. The service is operated by Amtrak, offering a scenic route across 2,432 miles. 🌆 There is also an alternative route with more transfers, extending the journey to 3 days and 3 hours, covering a distance of 3,186 miles. This option includes a transfer at San Jose Diridon Station and Union Station before reaching the final stop at Chicago Union Station with Amtrak services.

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 convenient and popular route with a quick direct flight option that takes only 4 hours. 💸 Depending on the airline and time of booking, the prices for flights between Chicago and San Francisco can range from $110 to $485, making it possible to find a fare that suits different budgets.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

Chicago Midway Airport

⏰ The total travel time from San Francisco to Chicago by bus, including transfers, is approximately 2 days and 8 hours, providing ample opportunities to relax, see new sights, and meet fellow passengers along the route.

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 1866 miles, with a road distance of 2144.1 miles. Traveling by train from San Francisco to Chicago takes approximately x hours, by taking a train to Sacramento and then flying to Chicago Midway it takes 9 hours and 12 minutes. By plane, the travel time is 6 hours and 21 minutes. Driving from San Francisco to Chicago takes approximately 32 hours and 40 minutes. The travel time by bus is not provided.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Chicago is by train and fly, with prices ranging from $80 to $650. This option takes approximately 9 hours and 12 minutes, providing a good balance between cost and time. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the fastest option, taking only 6 hours and 19 minutes, with prices ranging from $150 to $430. Both options offer convenient and efficient ways to travel between the two cities.

The prices for a train from San Francisco to Chicago vary from $104 to $655. Alternatively, the prices for a bus from Chicago to San Francisco range from $268 to $571. These prices can fluctuate depending on factors such as the season and availability. It is recommended to compare prices from different providers and book in advance to secure the best possible deal.

To get from San Francisco to Chicago without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance is approximately 2144 miles, and it takes approximately 32 hours and 40 minutes to complete the journey. The cost of driving from San Francisco to Chicago can vary between $380 and $600, depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency.

The best way to travel from San Francisco to Chicago without a car is by train. It takes approximately 2 days and 5 hours and the ticket prices range from $100 to $700. Another option is to fly, which takes 6 hours and 21 minutes with ticket prices ranging from $95 to $420. If you prefer a longer journey, you can also take a bus, which takes about 2 days and 8 hours and costs between $260 and $600.

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 around 2 days and 8 hours with transfers at Los Angeles Union Station and St Louis Bus Station. It is recommended to consider flying for a faster and more convenient travel option between the two cities.

The flight duration from San Francisco to Chicago typically takes about 4 hours and 3 minutes for a direct flight. However, it's important to note that flight times can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. The cost of flights between Chicago and San Francisco ranges from $95 to $415, with prices differing based on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and class of travel.

There are over 1116 hotels available in Chicago, ranging in price from $58 and up. Some popular options include the Palmer House Hilton, The Langham Chicago, and The Peninsula Chicago. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly accommodation or a luxurious stay, there are plenty of options to choose from in the vibrant city of Chicago.

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

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From San Francisco to Chicago

Best Neighbourhoods in Chicago

Best Times To Visit Chicago's Attractions

Chicago Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining in Chicago: A Flavorful Journey

San Francisco - Chicago operators

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

Useful tips for train travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from San Francisco

Trips to Chicago

Popular routes