How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Oakland?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start at $174. The average price for this train route is around $312. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Chicago to Oakland?

The average train trip from Chicago to Oakland takes 2d 11h and covers 2972 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 10 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Oakland?

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

Train Chicago to Oakland from $166 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on February 2
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on February 3
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on February 4
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on February 5
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on February 6
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	4:54pm	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on February 7
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on February 8
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 2:30 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 a good way to reach Oakland. The journey takes about 2 days, 8 hours 55 minutes, and with fares starting at just $312, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

14bus per day

2d 8hAverage Duration

2975 kmDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$312 - $724	Average Duration2d 8h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$174 - $4,058	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

4/55,754 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wi‑Fi3.6

Based on 5754 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the Wi‑Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $174

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling 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 at $174. The average price for this train route is around $312. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Chicago to Oakland?
The average train trip from Chicago to Oakland takes 2d 11h and covers 2972 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 10 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Oakland?
The earliest train from Chicago to Oakland departs at 7:40am. 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

01-30

$459

01-31

$528

Today

$422

02-02

$352

02-03

$293

02-04

$352

02-05

$352

02-06

$401

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Oakland was searched and found on Feb 3, 2026 with a price of $293

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 $293 to $3,287 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 $293 which is on 2026-02-03.

What's the cheapest way to go from Chicago to Oakland?

The Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel time2d 8h	Avg Price$320	Daily Departures14
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time2d 11h	Avg Price$312	Daily Departures10

The best way to travel between Chicago and Oakland is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $312 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $174. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Oakland, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to Oakland in about 2d 8h —that's the fastest way to get there!