Next departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | Cheapest | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Old Town San Diego | Fastest | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | No tags | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | No tags | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 6:46 AM CST.
Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to San Diego
Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 2 days, 7 hours 5 minutes and with fares starting at just $118, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train Companies
Based on 5636 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $186
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US 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 San Diego?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to San Diego start from $186. The average price for this train route is around $301. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to San Diego?
The average train ride duration from Chicago to San Diego is 2d , covering a distance of 1728 miles (2787 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Chicago to San Diego route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chicago to San Diego?
The earliest train departs from Chicago to San Diego at 1:52pm. And the latest train departs at 2:25pm.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on Dec 14, 2025 with a price of $205To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $205 to $2,591 for a train ticket from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $205 which is on 2025-12-14.
What's the cheapest way to go from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US?
The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destinationThe best way to travel between Chicago and San Diego, CA, US is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $301 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $186. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to San Diego, CA, US, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US in about 2d - that's the fastest way to get there!
