Chicago to San Francisco (Emeryville) by Train

The rail route between the Midwest and the Bay Area is one of the most famous long distance train trips in North America. The California Zephyr route guide details the full path from the Great Lakes to the Pacific coast. You will spend two nights on board as the train crosses the plains, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. This guide covers everything you need to know about the direct service between Chicago and Emeryville, including what to expect on board, the scenery along the way and details about the departure and arrival stations.

Your train options

The direct train on this route is the California Zephyr. It runs daily in each direction as of 2026. The total trip takes about 51 to 52 hours. Because this is an overnight journey spanning two nights, you have several accommodation choices. Budget travelers can book a seat in Coach, which features reclining seats and leg rests. If you are sleeping in coach overnight, bring a blanket and pillow. For a more comfortable trip, you can upgrade to a Superliner Roomette, a Superliner Bedroom, a Family Bedroom or an Accessible Bedroom. You can read more about these options in our guide to Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms explained. Sleeping car passengers receive meals included in their ticket, served in the Dining car. All passengers have access to the Sightseer Lounge car, which offers large windows for viewing the landscape.

The journey

The train departs Chicago and crosses the farmland of Illinois and Iowa. It crosses the Mississippi River at Burlington. Much of the Nebraska section runs at night westbound. The next day brings the climb out of Denver through a long series of short tunnels in the foothills. The train then enters the Moffat Tunnel, which is about 6.2 miles long, passing under the Continental Divide. From Granby to Glenwood Springs, you travel through the Colorado River canyons, including Byers, Gore, Red and Glenwood canyons. Much of this area is far from any road. Passing Grand Junction, the train enters the Utah desert and the Book Cliffs before descending to Provo and Salt Lake City. The final day covers the Truckee River and Donner Pass. The train descends the Sierra Nevada past Cape Horn above the American River. Finally, the route follows the Suisun Bay and Carquinez Strait shoreline into the Bay Area.

The stations

Your trip begins at Chicago station, located in the West Loop just west of the Chicago River. It is a short walk or bus ride from the Loop. The Great Hall opened in 1925 and serves as a classic Beaux Arts waiting room. The station is the hub of the Amtrak long distance network, and premium passengers can use the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. Metra commuter trains and the CTA Blue Line Clinton stop are nearby. The train terminates at San Francisco (Emeryville) station, located in the East Bay between Oakland and Berkeley. There is no Amtrak station in San Francisco itself. Amtrak Thruway buses run from Emeryville across the Bay Bridge to stops in San Francisco.