Trains leaving tomorrow
One passenger / one way
- This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest + FastestDeparture time: June 16 atDeparture city: San DiegoDeparture location: Old Town San DiegoArrival time: June 18 atDestination city: ChicagoDestination location: Chicago (Union Station), ILOperated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: TrainDuration: - Departure time: June 16 atDeparture city: San DiegoDeparture location: Old Town San DiegoArrival time: June 18 atDestination city: ChicagoDestination location: Chicago (Union Station), ILOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: TrainDuration:
- Departure time: June 16 atDeparture city: San DiegoDeparture location: Old Town San DiegoArrival time: June 18 atDestination city: ChicagoDestination location: Chicago (Union Station), ILOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: TrainDuration:
- Departure time: June 16 atDeparture city: San DiegoDeparture location: Santa Fe DepotArrival time: June 18 atDestination city: ChicagoDestination location: Chicago (Union Station), ILOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: TrainDuration:
- Departure time: June 16 atDeparture city: San DiegoDeparture location: Santa Fe DepotArrival time: June 18 atDestination city: ChicagoDestination location: Chicago (Union Station), ILOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: TrainDuration:
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Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Chicago.
Busbud recommends taking the bus from San Diego to ChicagoAmong the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 10 hours 5 minutes and with fares starting at just $123, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train San Diego to Chicago: Trip Overview
Please note, this information is subject to change.
Train Companies
Based on 5207 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 $175.00
San Diego to Chicago Train
With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a train from San Diego to Chicago is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of train fares and train schedules to find the best deals.
We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable companies that offer train service from San Diego to Chicago.
From train tickets to high-end trains trip from San Diego to Chicago, we offer a wide range of train services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.
Frequently asked questions for your trip San Diego (CA), US - Chicago
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from San Diego to Chicago was searched and found on Jun 20, 2025 with a price of $276To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Diego to Chicago, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $276 to $3,360 for a train ticket from San Diego to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $276 which is on 2025-06-20.
About Train Travel
Train Travel Tips
Taking the fastest trains allows you to travel at speeds greater than 300 km/h. Taking a trip from San Diego to Chicago is not only much quicker but more comfortable too! You can usually travel directly to the city centre and save time while you're at it.
Whether you take a regional or high-speed train to Chicago, you’ll help reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of your trip. As you watch the landscapes unfold before your eyes, you can tell yourself that with this choice, you are making sure they remain protected.
The train emits up to 30x less CO2 for a trip between San Diego and Chicago compared to the same trip made by plane or car. A truly ecological mode of transport that will allow you to easily reduce your carbon footprint.
Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized train travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from San Diego to Chicago.
Did you know?
Railway companies played a major role as early as 1883 in the use of time zones as we know them today.
New York holds the record for the most platforms and track numbers in a single station. Grand Central Station in Manhattan is one of the largest rail terminals in the world with more than 44 platforms and 67 tracks to accommodate passengers.
Some trains in Sweden can recover more than a fifth of the energy they use by braking. This is especially true with ore trains as they descend from Narvik to Kiruna.
What's the cheapest way to go from San Diego to Chicago?
The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destinationThe best way to travel between San Diego 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 $281 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $175. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Chicago, choose the train, as it will take you from San Diego to Chicago in about 2d 10h - that's the fastest way to get there!
Top Traveled Train Routes
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