How much does a cheap train ticket from San Jose to Chicago cost?

The average train ticket price from San Jose to Chicago is $559. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Jose to Chicago is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from San Jose to Chicago?

A train trip between San Jose and Chicago is around 2d 18h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 6h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2960 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between San Jose and Chicago?

The number of trains from San Jose to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Jose to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from San Jose to Chicago?

When taking the train from San Jose to Chicago, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train San Jose to Chicago from $272 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for San Jose to Chicago on November 15
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Chicago on November 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:18am	Diridon Station	2d 6h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	6:18am	Diridon Station	2d 6h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 4:39 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Jose to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 13 hours 35 minutes, and with fares starting at just $226, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

9bus per day

2d 13hAverage Duration

2959 kmDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$226 - $900	Average Duration2d 13h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$243 - $2,713	Average Duration2d 18h	CO₂ emissions 269kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,584 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5584 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 WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $243

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

Where are the popular train stations and stops in San Jose, US and Chicago?

Stops in San Jose, US

A - Diridon Station

Stops in Chicago

A - Union Station

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Jose, US to Chicago by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from San Jose to Chicago cost?
The average train ticket price from San Jose to Chicago is $559. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Jose to Chicago is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from San Jose to Chicago?
A train trip between San Jose and Chicago is around 2d 18h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 6h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2960 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between San Jose and Chicago?
The number of trains from San Jose to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Jose to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from San Jose to Chicago?
When taking the train from San Jose to Chicago, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11-12

$390

11-13

$390

Today

$488

11-15

$538

11-16

No data

11-17

$390

11-18

No data

11-19

No data

The cheapest trip from San Jose, US to Chicago was searched and found on Nov 12, 2025 with a price of $390

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Jose, US to Chicago, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $390 to $4,039 for a train ticket from San Jose, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $390 which is on 2025-11-17.