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

The average train ticket price from San Jose to Chicago is $389. The best way to find train tickets from San Jose 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 Jose to Chicago?

A train trip between San Jose and Chicago is around 2d 18h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 6h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1836 miles that separates the two cities.

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

The number of trains from San Jose 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 Jose to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from San Jose to Chicago?

When taking the train from San Jose 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 explore 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 Jose to Chicago from $189 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for San Jose to Chicago on November 14
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Chicago on November 15
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Chicago on November 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:18am	Diridon Station	2d 6h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	6:18am	Diridon Station	2d 6h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Saturday at 8:42 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Jose to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 13 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just $157, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

9bus per day

2d 13hAverage Duration

1835 milesDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$157 - $626	Average Duration2d 13h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$169 - $1,886	Average Duration2d 18h	CO₂ emissions 269kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,583 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5583 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 $169

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

Where are the popular train stations and stops in San Jose, US and Chicago?

Stops in San Jose, US

A - Diridon Station

Stops in Chicago

A - Union Station

Frequently asked questions for your trip San Jose, US - Chicago

How much does a train ticket from San Jose to Chicago cost?
How long is the train trip from San Jose to Chicago?
How many daily trains are there between San Jose and Chicago?
Which train companies travel from San Jose 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

11/12

$271

11/13

$271

Today

$339

11/15

$374

11/16

No data

11/17

$271

11/18

No data

11/19

No data

The cheapest trip from San Jose, US to Chicago was searched and found on Nov 12, 2025 with a price of $271

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

You can expect to pay from $271 to $2,808 for a train ticket from San Jose, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $271 which is on 2025-11-17.