How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chicago start from $186. The average price for this train route is around $258. 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 San Diego to Chicago?

The average train ride duration from San Diego to Chicago is 1d 22h, covering a distance of 1728 miles (2787 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 22h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the San Diego to Chicago 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 San Diego to Chicago?

The earliest train departs from San Diego to Chicago at 2:01pm. And the latest train departs at 4:10pm.

Train San Diego to Chicago from $178 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 7
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 8
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 9
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 10
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 11
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
		2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 12
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 13
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 12:07 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Chicago

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 1 day, 22 hours 41 minutes and with fares starting at just $186, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

1d 22hAverage Duration

1728 milesDistance

254kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$110 - $551	Average Duration2d 6h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$186 - $1,285	Average Duration1d 22h	CO₂ emissions 254kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,627 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5627 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

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from San Diego, CA, US 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 San Diego to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chicago start from $186. The average price for this train route is around $258. 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 San Diego to Chicago?
The average train ride duration from San Diego to Chicago is 1d 22h, covering a distance of 1728 miles (2787 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 22h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the San Diego to Chicago 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 San Diego to Chicago?
The earliest train departs from San Diego to Chicago at 2:01pm. And the latest train departs at 4:10pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12/04

$738

12/05

$328

Today

$285

12/07

$285

12/08

$205

12/09

$328

12/10

$328

12/11

$1,240

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 8, 2025 with a price of $205

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

You can expect to pay from $205 to $2,947 for a train ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $205 which is on 2025-12-08.

What's the cheapest way to go from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago?

The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel Time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel Time2d 6h	Avg Price$269	Daily Departures30
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time1d 22h	Avg Price$258	Daily Departures2

The best way to travel between San Diego, CA, US and Chicago is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $258 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 Chicago, choose the train, as it will take you from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago in about 1d 22h - that's the fastest way to get there!