United States · Across a continent
California Zephyr
When does the California Zephyr run, and how long does it take?
Running every day.
We checked this with Amtrak on 29 Oct 2026. Dates, times and prices change: check amtrak.com ↗ before you book or travel.
Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area every day, via Denver, Salt Lake City and Reno.
- Takes
- About 2 days, 2 nights
- Distance
- 3,924 km
- From
- Chicago
- To
- Emeryville
- Operator
- Amtrak
When it runs
- Runs
- Every day, all year. Train 5 leaves Chicago at 14:00.
- Takes
- About 2 days and 2 nights for 3,924 km (2,438 miles).
The next trains
From Amtrak's timetable
The next trains appear here.
Times up to 22 November 2026, the last day in the timetable we hold.
Planner
Get there by train
Is there a direct train from your city to Chicago?
Our direct trains across a border (and between US states).
Book and stay
Stay the night before
Before you go
- San FranciscoThe train ends at Emeryville; a connecting bus goes on to San Francisco.
- ClocksDeparture in Chicago time, arrival in Pacific time.
Good to know
Does the California Zephyr go to San Francisco?
It ends at Emeryville, across the bay; a connecting bus takes you into San Francisco.
How long is the California Zephyr?
About 2 days and 2 nights: train 5 leaves Chicago at 14:00 and reaches Emeryville at 16:57 two days later, Pacific time, in Amtrak's current timetable.
How often does it run?
Every day.
More famous journeys nearby
Checked on 29 Oct 2026 with amtrak.com, en.wikipedia.org. Times from Amtrak's open timetable. Direct trains from our own timetable data.