Next train departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train | Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Cheapest | ||||
| Train | Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Fastest | ||||
| Train | Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | No tags | ||||
| Train | Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | No tags | ||||
| Train | Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:34 AM PST.
Compare 2 ways to go from Santa Barbara to Chicago
Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 7 hours 25 minutes and with fares starting at just $224, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular train stations and stops in Santa Barbara and Chicago?
Santa Barbara
- A224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- B
Greyhound Station
224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
Chicago
- A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Train Companies
Based on 5641 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 $297
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Santa Barbara to Chicago start from $297. The average price for this train route is around $524. 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The average train ride duration from Santa Barbara to Chicago is 2d 17h, covering a distance of 1801 miles (2905 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 3h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Santa Barbara to Chicago route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The earliest train departs from Santa Barbara to Chicago at 8:49am. And the latest train departs at 6:19pm.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 14, 2025 with a price of $334To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Santa Barbara to Chicago, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $334 to $3,281 for a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $334 which is on 2025-12-14.
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