How to travel from Chicago to Sacramento, United States of America

The distance between Chicago and Sacramento is around 2,044 miles (3,289km) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 1 day 7h.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Chicago to Sacramento by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out SacramentoChicago if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Sacramento.

  • Duration2 days 2h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    $250
2
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Indianapolis IN then Los Angeles and then to Sacramento.

  • Duration2 days 9h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    $400
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Sacramento.

  • Duration1 day 7h
  • Distance2,044 miles (3,289km)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Chicago and Sacramento

There are several options for getting from Chicago to Sacramento by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around $250 and will take around 2 days 2h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 1 day 7h, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $200.

The distance between Chicago and Sacramento is around 2,044 miles (3,289km). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,789 miles (2,880km)

It takes around 2 days 2h to get from Chicago and Sacramento by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 7h to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Chicago to Sacramento is to drive which takes around 1 day 7h and will set you back approx $200.

The cheapest way to travel between Chicago and Sacramento, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around $250 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Chicago and Sacramento. It typically takes around 2 days 2h and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Chicago and Sacramento with no changeovers required. The train runs once daily and takes 2 days 2h.

Amtrak run train services between Chicago and Sacramento. Trains depart once daily and will take around 2 days 2h, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Chicago and Sacramento. It typically takes around 2 days 9h and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Chicago to Sacramento. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Indianapolis IN, Indianapolis and Los Angeles. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 2 days 9h.

Palmland Bus Lines, Flixbus USA, OurBus and Greyhound USA run regular bus services between Chicago and Sacramento. Buses run once daily and take around 2 days 9h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Chicago to Sacramento. We recommend that you take the train to Sacramento. instead which will take 2 days 2h.

The closest major airport to Sacramento is Sacramento International Airport (SMF) (SMF) which is approximately 15km (9 miles) from Sacramento. Stockton Airport (SCK) (SCK) and Buchanan Field (CCR) (CCR) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Chicago and Sacramento. The distance is around 2,044 miles (3,289km) by road and it will take around 1 day 7h in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Chicago to Sacramento is to take the train which takes, on average, 2 days 2h and will usually cost around $250.

How do I get from Chicago to Sacramento

Compare travel optionsbetween Chicago and Sacramento

Transport options from Chicago to Sacramento
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
2 days 2h
$250
once daily3,729km (2,317 miles)
Bus
2 days 9h
$400
once daily4,403km (2,736 miles)
Drive
1 day 7h
$200
on demand3,289km (2,044 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Chicago and Sacramento

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Sacramento

The following major airports near Sacramento offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United States of America and internationally.

SMF
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
International Airport
Distance
9 miles (15km) from Sacramento
SCK
Stockton Airport (SCK)
Domestic Airport
Distance
49 miles (80km) from Sacramento
CCR
Buchanan Field (CCR)
Domestic Airport
Distance
51 miles (82km) from Sacramento