How much is the train ticket from Chicago to San Diego?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to San Diego start from $186. The average price for this train route is around $219. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to San Diego?

The average train ride duration from Chicago to San Diego is 2d , covering a distance of 1728 miles (2787 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the Chicago to San Diego route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 3 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chicago to San Diego?

The earliest train departs from Chicago to San Diego at 1:52pm. And the latest train departs at 2:25pm.

Train Chicago to San Diego from $178 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to San Diego on January 27
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	12:52pm	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
Train	2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 21h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 21h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 21h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to San Diego on January 28
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	12:52pm	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to San Diego on January 29
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	12:52pm	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to San Diego on January 30
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	12:52pm	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
Train	2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 21h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 21h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 21h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to San Diego on February 1
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	12:52pm	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
Train	2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 21h	10:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:18 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to San Diego

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 2 days, 42 minutes and with fares starting at just $186, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3train per day

2d Average Duration

1728 milesDistance

254kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$127 - $1,009	Average Duration2d 9h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$186 - $1,753	Average Duration2d	CO₂ emissions 254kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,751 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5751 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $186

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

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

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

How much is the train ticket from Chicago to San Diego?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to San Diego start from $186. The average price for this train route is around $219. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to San Diego?
The average train ride duration from Chicago to San Diego is 2d , covering a distance of 1728 miles (2787 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Chicago to San Diego route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 3 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chicago to San Diego?
The earliest train departs from Chicago to San Diego at 1:52pm. And the latest train departs at 2:25pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

01/25

$205

01/26

$243

Today

$243

01/28

$285

01/29

$243

01/30

$285

01/31

No data

02/01

$285

The cheapest trip from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on Jan 25, 2026 with a price of $205

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

You can expect to pay from $205 to $1,493 for a train ticket from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $243 which is on 2026-01-29.