How much does a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Chicago cost?

The average train ticket price from Santa Barbara to Chicago is $457. The best way to find train tickets from Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago?

A train trip between Santa Barbara and Chicago is around 2d 17h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 3h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1802 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Santa Barbara and Chicago?

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

Which train companies travel from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

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

What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Trains traveling between Santa Barbara and Chicago leave from Train Station or Greyhound Station and arrive at Union Station.

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 Santa Barbara to Chicago from $205 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Santa Barbara to Chicago on December 1
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	8:49am	Train Station	2d 3h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 7:35 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Santa Barbara 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, 7 hours 25 minutes and with fares starting at just $224, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day

2d 7hAverage Duration

1801 milesDistance

73kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$224 - $449	Average Duration2d 7h	CO₂ emissions 73kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$253 - $3,255	Average Duration2d 17h	CO₂ emissions 264kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Santa Barbara and Chicago?

Santa Barbara

A
Train Station
224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Visit page
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

Amtrak

4/55,618 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5618 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 $253

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Santa Barbara to Chicago by train

How much does a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Chicago cost?
How long is the train trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
How many daily trains are there between Santa Barbara and Chicago?
Which train companies travel from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Santa Barbara 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

11/28

$399

11/29

$1,485

Today

$399

12/01

$1,485

12/02

No data

12/03

No data

12/04

No data

12/05

No data

The cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago was searched and found on Nov 28, 2025 with a price of $399

To 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 $399 to $2,355 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 $1,485 which is on 2025-12-01.