How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Oakland?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start at $176. The average price for this train route is around $365. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Chicago to Oakland?

The average train trip from Chicago to Oakland takes 2d 11h and covers 2971 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 10 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Oakland?

The earliest train from Chicago to Oakland departs at 7:40am. The latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Train Chicago to Oakland from $202 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 13
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 14
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 15
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	8:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	8:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 16
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	8:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	8:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on December 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	8:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	8:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	5:07pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 3:59 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Oakland

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Oakland. The journey takes about 2 days, 11 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just $315, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

19bus per day

2d 11hAverage Duration

2975 kmDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$315 - $949	Average Duration2d 11h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$176 - $5,209	Average Duration2d 11h	CO₂ emissions 270kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Chicago and Oakland?

Chicago

A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Oakland

A
Emeryville Station
5885 Horton St, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
Visit page

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,639 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5639 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $176

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Oakland 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 Oakland?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start at $176. The average price for this train route is around $365. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Chicago to Oakland?
The average train trip from Chicago to Oakland takes 2d 11h and covers 2971 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 10 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Oakland?
The earliest train from Chicago to Oakland departs at 7:40am. The latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12-10

$356

12-11

$427

Today

$356

12-13

$297

12-14

$356

12-15

$356

12-16

$356

12-17

$356

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Oakland was searched and found on Dec 13, 2025 with a price of $297

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

You can expect to pay from $297 to $2,659 for a train ticket from Chicago to Oakland based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $297 which is on 2025-12-13.