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

The average train ticket price from San Diego to Chicago is £198. 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 train 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 1729 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily train 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 £139 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures from San Diego to Chicago on 20 November
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
		14:01	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from San Diego to Chicago on 21 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:01	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:01	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from San Diego to Chicago on 22 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
16:10	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
16:10	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from San Diego to Chicago on 23 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
16:10	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
16:10	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
16:10	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:01	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from San Diego to Chicago on 24 November
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
		14:01	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from San Diego to Chicago on 25 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:01	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:01	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from San Diego to Chicago on 26 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:10	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
16:10	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	13:44	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:01	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
16:01	Santa Fe Depot	2d 19h	13:44	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 21:00 PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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 £145, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

1d 22hAverage duration

1728 milesDistance

254kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average price£86 - £605	Average duration2d 6h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£145 - £1,132	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 Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at £145

US train 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 £198. 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 train 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 1729 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train 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

16/11

£261

17/11

£256

Today

£261

19/11

£371

20/11

£1,239

21/11

£312

22/11

£312

23/11

£409

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago was searched and found on 17 Nov 2025 with a price of £256

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 £256 to £1,784 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 £312, which is on 2025-11-21.