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

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Oakland is £194. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Oakland 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 train trip from Chicago to Oakland?

A train trip between Chicago and Oakland is around 2d 11h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 4h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1844 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily train are there between Chicago and Oakland?

The number of trains from Chicago to Oakland can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 10. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Oakland by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Chicago to Oakland?

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

Train Chicago to Oakland from £133 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 17 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 19h	08:29	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 18 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
13:52	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 19 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 20 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	Fastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 21 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	18:15	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	Fastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 00:54 CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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, 12 hours 5 minutes and with fares starting at just £131, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

41bus per day

2d 12hAverage duration

1842 milesDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average price£131 - £531	Average duration2d 12h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£97 - £2,868	Average duration2d 11h	CO₂ emissions 270kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,591 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5591 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 £97

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

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

Stops in Chicago

A - Union Station

Stops in Oakland

A - Emeryville Station

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Oakland by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Oakland cost?
The average train ticket price from Chicago to Oakland is £194. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Oakland 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 train trip from Chicago to Oakland?
A train trip between Chicago and Oakland is around 2d 11h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 4h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1844 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Chicago and Oakland?
The number of trains from Chicago to Oakland can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 10. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Oakland by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Chicago to Oakland?
When taking the train from Chicago to Oakland, 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

15/11

£235

16/11

£164

Today

£196

18/11

£196

19/11

£196

20/11

£286

21/11

£345

22/11

£196

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Oakland was searched and found on 16 Nov 2025 with a price of £164

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 £164 to £2,386 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 £196, which is on 2025-11-18.