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

The average train ticket price from San Diego to Chicago is $363. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Diego 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 San Diego to Chicago?

A train trip between San Diego and Chicago is around 1d 22h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 22h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2788 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between San Diego and Chicago?

The number of trains from San Diego to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Diego to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from San Diego to Chicago?

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

Train San Diego to Chicago from $256 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on November 20
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
		2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on November 21
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on November 22
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on November 23
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on November 24
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
		2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on November 25
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on November 26
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:00 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego 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 1 day, 22 hours 41 minutes, and with fares starting at just $267, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

1d 22hAverage Duration

2787 kmDistance

254kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$157 - $1,113	Average Duration2d 6h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$267 - $2,081	Average Duration1d 22h	CO₂ emissions 254kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,593 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5593 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 $267

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from San Diego to Chicago cost?
The average train ticket price from San Diego to Chicago is $363. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Diego 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 San Diego to Chicago?
A train trip between San Diego and Chicago is around 1d 22h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 22h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2788 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between San Diego and Chicago?
The number of trains from San Diego to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Diego to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from San Diego to Chicago?
When taking the train from San Diego 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

11-16

$480

11-17

$471

Today

$480

11-19

$682

11-20

$2,279

11-21

$573

11-22

$573

11-23

$752

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago was searched and found on Nov 17, 2025 with a price of $471

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

You can expect to pay from $471 to $3,280 for a train ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $573 which is on 2025-11-21.