How much is the train ticket from Oakland to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Oakland to Chicago start from $125. The average price for this train route is around $224. 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 Oakland to Chicago?

The average train ride duration from Oakland to Chicago is 2d 5h, covering a distance of 1842 miles (2971 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 3h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the Oakland to Chicago route?

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

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

The earliest train departs from Oakland to Chicago at 7:12am. And the latest train departs at 9:41pm.

Train Oakland to Chicago from $119 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on January 26
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:41pm	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	9:21pm	Jack London Square	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	9:21pm	Jack London Square	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	9:41pm	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on January 27
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on January 28
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:21pm	Jack London Square	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on January 29
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 11h	9:51pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on January 30
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 11h	9:51pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on January 31
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:41pm	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	7:48am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:08am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	9:21pm	Jack London Square	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on February 1
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	7:48am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:48am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:08am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:08am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on February 2
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:25am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

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

Compare 2 ways to go 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 $125, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

8train per day

2d 5hAverage Duration

1842 milesDistance

270kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$225 - $546	Average Duration2d 14h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$125 - $3,297	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. 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 $125

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.

April 1, 2024

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Oakland to Chicago 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 Oakland to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Oakland to Chicago start from $125. The average price for this train route is around $224. 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 Oakland to Chicago?
The average train ride duration from Oakland to Chicago is 2d 5h, covering a distance of 1842 miles (2971 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 3h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Oakland to Chicago route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 8 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Oakland to Chicago?
The earliest train departs from Oakland to Chicago at 7:12am. And the latest train departs at 9:41pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

01/24

$256

01/25

$404

Today

$260

01/27

$210

01/28

$339

01/29

$367

01/30

$232

01/31

$349

The cheapest trip from Oakland to Chicago was searched and found on Jan 27, 2026 with a price of $210

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 $210 to $2,740 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 $210 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 Price$228	Daily Departures11
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time2d 5h	Avg Price$224	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 $224 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $125. 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!