Rome2Rio

How to get fromSan Francisco to Elginby plane, bus, bus (Greyhound), train (Amtrak), car, or train

Find Transport to Elgin

See all options

There are 9 ways to get from San Francisco to Elgin by plane, bus, bus (Greyhound), train (Amtrak), car, or train

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly San Francisco International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, bus

    best
    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SFO - ORD
    2. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station to Elgin Transportation Center Bay 4bus bus
    7h 15m
    $134–301

  2. Caltrain to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to Santa Clara Caltrain Southboundtrain train
    2. Fly from Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SJC - ORD
    3. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station to Elgin Transportation Center Bay 4bus bus
    8h 29m
    $126–503

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Sparks Transit Centerbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Sparks Transit Center to Denver Union Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station to Elgin Transportation Center Bay 4bus bus 603
    2d 4h
    $341–689

  4. Train

    1. Take the train from Richmond to Chicago Union Stationtrain train California Zephyr
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train Md-W
    2d 7h
    $760–1,613

  5. Drive 2,094.1 mi

    1. Drive from San Francisco to Elgincar car 2,094.1 mi
    32h 36m
    $383–552

  6. Fly San Francisco International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport, train

    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SFO - MDW
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train
    8h 12m
    $197–434

  7. Fly Oakland International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane OAK - MDW
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train
    8h 21m
    $153–620

  8. Caltrain to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport, train

    1. Take the train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to Santa Clara Caltrain Southboundtrain train
    2. Fly from Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SJC - MDW
    3. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train
    9h 21m
    $149–626

  9. Train to Sacramento International Airport, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, bus

    1. Take the train from Richmond to Sacramentotrain train
    2. Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SMF - ORD
    3. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station to Elgin Transportation Center Bay 4bus bus
    10h 44m
    $155–464

San Francisco to Elgin by bus and subway

Calendar14Weekly Services
Duration2d 4hAverage Duration
Ticket$341Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Francisco to Elgin.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,884.7 mi
  • Duration: 7h 15m

What companies run services between San Francisco, CA, USA and Elgin, IL, USA?

You can take a bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Elgin Transportation Center Bay 4 via Sparks Transit Center, Denver Union Station, Chicago Bus Station, Chicago, Cumberland, Rosemont, and Rosemont CTA Station in around 2d 4h. Alternatively, you can take a subway from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Elgin via Richmond, Richmond, and Chicago Union Station in around 2d 7h.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

More Questions & Answers