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

The average train ticket price from San Diego to Chicago is $219. The best way to find train tickets from San Diego 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 train trip from San Diego to Chicago?

A train trip between San Diego and Chicago is around 1d 22h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 22h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1729 miles that separates the two cities.

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

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

Which train companies travel from San Diego to Chicago?

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

What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Once in Chicago, you can exploring the city. The top sights and things to do are Museum of Contemporary Art, Willis Tower (Sears Tower), Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo.

Train San Diego to Chicago from $178 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on October 22
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 October 23
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 October 24
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 October 27
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 October 28
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
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

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on October 29
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

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 12:39 AM PDT.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Chicago

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$117 - $463	Average Duration2d 6h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars	CheapestMost eco-friendly
Train	Average Price$186 - $415	Average Duration1d 22h	CO₂ emissions 254kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars	Fastest

Busbud recommends taking the train from San Diego to Chicago

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

$186Cheapest ticket

254kgCO₂ emissions

Train San Diego, CA, US to Chicago: Trip Overview

Please note, this information is subject to change.

Average ticket price$219

Average train trip duration1d 22h

Number of daily trains2

Earliest train departure2:01pm

Distance1728 miles (2786 km)

Latest train departure4:10pm

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,539 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5539 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, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo, Brightline

San Diego to Chicago Train

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a train from San Diego to Chicago is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of train fares and train schedules to find the best deals.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable companies that offer train service from San Diego to Chicago.

From train tickets to high-end trains trip from San Diego to Chicago, we offer a wide range of train services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Frequently asked questions for your trip San Diego, CA, US - Chicago

How much does a train ticket from San Diego to Chicago cost?
How long is the train trip from San Diego to Chicago?
How many daily trains are there between San Diego and Chicago?
Which train companies travel from San Diego to Chicago?
What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

10/20

$334

10/21

$243

Today

$243

10/23

$334

10/24

$285

10/25

No data

10/26

No data

10/27

$285

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago was searched and found on Oct 21, 2025 with a price of $243

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 $243 to $1,710 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 $285 which is on 2025-10-24.

About Train Travel

Train Travel Tips

Taking the fastest trains allows you to travel at speeds greater than 300 km/h. Taking a trip from San Diego to Chicago is not only much quicker but more comfortable too! You can usually travel directly to the city centre and save time while you're at it.

Whether you take a regional or high-speed train to Chicago, you’ll help reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of your trip. As you watch the landscapes unfold before your eyes, you can tell yourself that with this choice, you are making sure they remain protected.

The train emits up to 30x less CO2 for a trip between San Diego and Chicago compared to the same trip made by plane or car. A truly ecological mode of transport that will allow you to easily reduce your carbon footprint.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized train travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from San Diego to Chicago.

Did you know?

Railway companies played a major role as early as 1883 in the use of time zones as we know them today.

New York holds the record for the most platforms and track numbers in a single station. Grand Central Station in Manhattan is one of the largest rail terminals in the world with more than 44 platforms and 67 tracks to accommodate passengers.

Some trains in Sweden can recover more than a fifth of the energy they use by braking. This is especially true with ore trains as they descend from Narvik to Kiruna.

Will you be returning to San Diego, CA, US by train?

Train from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US

Top Traveled Train Routes

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Trains tickets from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago