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 | CheapestFastest |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 7:35 AM PST.
Compare 2 ways to travel 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, 7 hours 25 minutes and with fares starting at just R 3 916, 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 5618 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 R 4 436
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Santa Barbara to Chicago by train
Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ 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 from R 4 436. The average price for this train route is around R 8 014. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The average train journey time from Santa Barbara to Chicago is 2d 17h, covering a distance of 2905 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 3h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Santa Barbara to Chicago route?
Several major train operators run on 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 08:49. And the latest train departs at 18:19.
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 28 Nov 2025 with a price of R 7 003To 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 R 7 003 to R 41 331 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 R 26 062, which is on 2025-12-01.
