How much is the train ticket from Oakland to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Oakland to Chicago start from R 2 033. The average price for this train route is around R 3 656. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Oakland to Chicago?

The average train journey time from Oakland to Chicago is 2d 5h, covering a distance of 2971 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 3h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Oakland to Chicago route?

Several major train operators run on this route, with 8 trains available per day.

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

The earliest train from Oakland to Chicago departs at 07:12. And the latest train departs at 21:41.

Train Oakland to Chicago from R 1 945 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 26 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	21:41	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	21:21	Jack London Square	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	21:21	Jack London Square	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	21:41	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 27 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:25	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 28 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	21:21	Jack London Square	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	08:25	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 29 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:25	Emeryville Station	2d 11h	21:51	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	08:25	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 30 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:25	Emeryville Station	2d 11h	21:51	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	08:25	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 31 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	21:41	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	08:25	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	07:48	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	08:08	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	21:21	Jack London Square	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 1 February
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:25	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	07:48	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:48	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	08:08	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	08:08	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 2 February
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:25	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:10 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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 19 minutes and with fares starting at just R 2 033, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

8train per day

2d 5hAverage duration

2971 kmDistance

270kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 3 663 - R 8 908	Average duration2d 14h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 2 033 - R 53 867	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

4/55 750 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5750 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained about the Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at R 2 033

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.

1 April 2024

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Oakland to Chicago by train

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

How much is the train ticket from Oakland to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Oakland to Chicago start from R 2 033. The average price for this train route is around R 3 656. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Oakland to Chicago?
The average train journey time from Oakland to Chicago is 2d 5h, covering a distance of 2971 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 3h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Oakland to Chicago route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 8 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Oakland to Chicago?
The earliest train from Oakland to Chicago departs at 07:12. And the latest train departs at 21:41.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

24/01

R 4 184

25/01

R 6 602

Today

R 4 249

27/01

R 3 432

28/01

R 5 540

29/01

R 5 997

30/01

R 3 791

31/01

R 5 703

The cheapest trip from Oakland to Chicago was searched and found on 27 Jan 2026 with a price of R 3 432

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 R 3 432 to R 44 772 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 R 3 432, which is on 2026-01-27.

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 14h	Avg priceR 3 712	Daily departures11
Vehicle typeTrain	Travel time2d 5h	Avg priceR 3 656	Daily departures8

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 R 3 656 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 2 033. 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!