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 10:41 AM PST.
Compare 2 ways to go from Santa Barbara to Chicago
Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 6 hours 15 minutes, and with fares starting at just $315, 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 5759 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 $259
Frequently asked questions about travelling 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 at $259. The average price for this train route is around $484. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The average train trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago takes 2d 17h and covers 2905 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Santa Barbara to Chicago route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 2 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The earliest train from Santa Barbara to Chicago departs at 8:49am. 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 Feb 12, 2026 with a price of $398To 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 $398 to $2,383 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 $398 which is on 2026-02-13.
