Train from Chicago to Oakland: Tickets & Timetables

Next train departures

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 14 February
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
Emeryville StationCheapest
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
Emeryville StationFastest
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
Emeryville StationNo tags
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
Emeryville StationNo tags
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
Emeryville StationNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 2:06 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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, 8 hours 30 minutes and with fares starting at just R 1 970, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

14bus per day
2d 8hAverage duration
2971 kmDistance
74kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 1 970 - R 7 297Average duration2d 8h
74kg CO₂e
Average priceR 2 039 - R 27 471Average duration2d 11h
270kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Oakland by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Oakland?

    The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start from R 2 039. The average price for this train route is around R 3 617. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Chicago to Oakland?

    The average train journey time from Chicago to Oakland is 2d 11h, covering a distance of 2971 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?

    Several major train operators run on this route, with 10 trains available per day.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Oakland?

    The earliest train from Chicago to Oakland departs at 07:40. And the latest train departs at 15:05.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
11/02
R 8 246
12/02
R 4 361
Today
R 19 769
14/02
R 4 361
15/02
R 7 164
16/02
R 3 443
17/02
R 4 197
18/02
R 5 705
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Chicago to Oakland was searched and found on 16 Feb 2026 with a price of R 3 443

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 R 3 443 to R 48 849 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 R 3 443, which is on 2026-02-16.

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

busbud logoThe Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

The best way to travel between Chicago and Oakland is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost R 3 617 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 2 039. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Oakland, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to Oakland in about 2d 8h – that's the fastest way to get there!

People from around the world trust Busbud