How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Oakland cost?

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Oakland is $360. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Oakland is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from Chicago to Oakland?

A train trip between Chicago and Oakland is around 2d 11h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 4h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2974 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Oakland?

The number of trains from Chicago to Oakland can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 10. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Oakland by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Chicago to Oakland?

When taking the train from Chicago to Oakland, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train Chicago to Oakland from $246 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on November 25
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on November 26
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on November 27
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	6:15pm	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on November 28
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 8h	8:53pm	Coliseum/Airport	No tags
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 8h	8:42pm	Jack London Square	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on November 29
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on November 30
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:19 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Oakland

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Oakland. The journey takes about 2 days, 12 hours 5 minutes, and with fares starting at just $285, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

30bus per day

2d 12hAverage Duration

2971 kmDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$285 - $1,158	Average Duration2d 12h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$180 - $5,333	Average Duration2d 11h	CO₂ emissions 270kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Chicago and Oakland?

Chicago

A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Oakland

A
Emeryville Station
5885 Horton St, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
Visit page

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,604 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5604 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $180

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Oakland by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Oakland cost?
The average train ticket price from Chicago to Oakland is $360. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Oakland is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from Chicago to Oakland?
A train trip between Chicago and Oakland is around 2d 11h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 4h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2974 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Oakland?
The number of trains from Chicago to Oakland can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 10. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Oakland by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Chicago to Oakland?
When taking the train from Chicago to Oakland, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11-22

$534

11-23

$3,052

Today

$648

11-25

$1,726

11-26

$612

11-27

$572

11-28

$2,150

11-29

$648

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Oakland was searched and found on Nov 22, 2025 with a price of $534

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to Oakland, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $534 to $3,816 for a train ticket from Chicago to Oakland based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $572 which is on 2025-11-27.