How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Oakland?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start from $150. The average price for this train route is around $268. 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 Oakland?

The average train ride duration from Chicago to Oakland is 2d 11h, covering a distance of 1840 miles (2967 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the Chicago to Oakland route?

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

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

The earliest train departs from Chicago to Oakland at 7:40am. And the latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Train Chicago to Oakland from $143 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 22
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 23
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 24
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 25
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 7h	7:56pm	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 26
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 5h	4:54pm	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 27
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 7h	7:56pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	8:29am	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 8h	9:06pm	Jack London Square	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 3:44 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Oakland

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Oakland. The journey takes about 2 days, 12 hours 45 minutes and with fares starting at just $223, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

14bus per day

2d 12hAverage Duration

1840 milesDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$223 - $672	Average Duration2d 12h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$150 - $3,687	Average Duration2d 11h	CO₂ emissions 270kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Chicago and Oakland?

Chicago

A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Oakland

A
Emeryville Station
5885 Horton St, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
Visit page

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,665 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5665 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 $150

Train and bus companies in US:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Chicago to Oakland 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 Oakland?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start from $150. The average price for this train route is around $268. 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 Oakland?
The average train ride duration from Chicago to Oakland is 2d 11h, covering a distance of 1840 miles (2967 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Chicago to Oakland route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 10 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chicago to Oakland?
The earliest train departs from Chicago to Oakland at 7:40am. And the latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12/19

$369

12/20

$423

Today

$1,242

12/22

$413

12/23

$477

12/24

$503

12/25

$521

12/26

$1,515

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Oakland was searched and found on Dec 19, 2025 with a price of $369

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 $369 to $3,670 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 $413 which is on 2025-12-22.