Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak's web site in the "Resources" section below. On the web site, you can book your train reservations via Amtrak's Fare Finder. You can also navigate the site if you have a PDA, Blackberry or other handheld device.
Understand that Amtrak trains do not leave directly from San Francisco. You'll need to take an Amtrak thruway bus or local transportation to another nearby city or town and board an Amtrak train from that location.
Amtrak makes organizing travel from San Francisco to Chicago fairly easy. You'll find the thruway bus leg of your trip already added into your itinerary when you book online; your fare will include this portion of your trip as well.
If you ordered your tickets online or by phone, pick them up at a ticket agent or at one of the Quik-Trak kiosks that can be found at many Amtrak locations (you'll need to enter your reservation number). If you've booked your trip far in advance, you can also request that your tickets be mailed to you.
Review your seating options before you book your trip. Coach seats are designed with a good amount of leg room, fold-down trays and reclining capabilities, while sleeping accommodations offer more space and comforts, including beds.
Reserve your coach seat as early as possible. Reservations are required for trains that travel through the night.
Visit the Adler Planetarium and Astrology Museum. You'll find permanent collections, temporary exhibits, demonstrations and more.
Tour the Art Institute of Chicago. The suggested donation is just $12.
Take in the sights at the Field Museum. This natural history museum offers the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, as well as a range of other interesting exhibits.
See the city from amazing height of the Sears Tower Skydeck, the largest observatory in Chicago. Go after 4 p.m. to miss most of the crowds.
