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

The average train ticket price from Oakland to Chicago is $327. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Oakland to Chicago 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 Oakland to Chicago?

A train trip between Oakland and Chicago is around 2d 5h, 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 Oakland and Chicago?

The number of trains from Oakland to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 7. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Oakland to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Oakland to Chicago?

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

Train Oakland to Chicago from $207 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on November 23
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:41pm	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
9:21pm	Jack London Square	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
9:21pm	Jack London Square	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
9:41pm	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on November 24
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
7:36am	Jack London Square	2d 10h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
7:13am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:24am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:36am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on November 25
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
7:13am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:13am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:24am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:24am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on November 26
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:41pm	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
7:13am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:24am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:36am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on November 27
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
7:36am	Jack London Square	2d 10h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
7:12am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:12am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:36am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on November 28
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:41pm	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
7:12am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:36am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
9:09am	Jack London Square	3d 2h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on November 29
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
7:12am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:36am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
9:21pm	Jack London Square	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:36am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on November 30
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 11h	9:51pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
7:12am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:12am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:36am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:06 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Oakland to Chicago

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 5 hours 27 minutes, and with fares starting at just $180, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

7train per day

2d 5hAverage Duration

2967 kmDistance

270kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$247 - $651	Average Duration2d 15h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$180 - $756	Average Duration2d 5h	CO₂ emissions 270kg CO₂e

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

Oakland

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

Chicago

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

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,600 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5600 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

Amtrak Oakland Chicago recent customer reviews

Wish I could go first class I know they had a ball super comfortable and an overall decent ride definitely bringing the kids next time

Yesenia C.

April 1, 2024

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Oakland to Chicago by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Oakland to Chicago cost?
The average train ticket price from Oakland to Chicago is $327. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Oakland to Chicago 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 Oakland to Chicago?
A train trip between Oakland and Chicago is around 2d 5h, 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 Oakland and Chicago?
The number of trains from Oakland to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 7. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Oakland to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Oakland to Chicago?
When taking the train from Oakland to Chicago, 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

11-21

$648

11-22

$943

Today

$648

11-24

$1,011

11-25

$534

11-26

$728

11-27

$559

11-28

$728

The cheapest trip from Oakland to Chicago was searched and found on Nov 25, 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 Oakland to Chicago, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $534 to $3,826 for a train ticket from Oakland to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $534 which is on 2025-11-25.

What's the cheapest way to go from Oakland to Chicago?

The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel time2d 15h	Avg Price$338	Daily Departures23
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time2d 5h	Avg Price$327	Daily Departures7

The best way to travel between Oakland and Chicago is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $327 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $180. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Chicago, choose the train, as it will take you from Oakland to Chicago in about 2d 5h —that's the fastest way to get there!