Rome2Rio

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

Find Transport to Evanston

See all options

There are 9 ways to get from San Francisco to Evanston by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), 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 Midway International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SFO - MDW
    6h 59m
    $184–432

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

    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
    8h 38m
    $108–424

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Richmond to Chicago Union Stationtrain train California Zephyr
    2d 6h
    $1,307–2,111

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from San Francisco to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus
    2d 9h
    $441–670

  5. Drive  2,132.4 mi

    1. Drive from San Francisco to Evanstoncar car 2,132.4 mi
    33h 7m
    $390–563

  6. Fly Oakland International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane OAK - MDW
    7h 3m
    $130–568

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

    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
    8h 3m
    $136–574

  8. Fly San Francisco International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SFO - ORD
    7h 31m
    $186–292

  9. Train to Sacramento International Airport, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Take the train from Richmond to Sacramentotrain train
    2. Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SMF - MDW
    10h 19m
    $161–585

San Francisco to Evanston by subway, train, and foot (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration2d 6hAverage Duration
Ticket$1,307Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from San Francisco to Evanston.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,888.6 mi
  • Duration: 6h 59m

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

Southwest Airlines and Delta fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) 5 times a day. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Richmond to Chicago Union Station once daily. Tickets cost $1,300–2,100 and the journey takes 2d 4h.

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

Booking & Getting There