Next departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | Cheapest | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Old Town San Diego | Fastest | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | No tags | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | No tags | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Last Monday at 9:49 AM CST.
Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to San Diego
Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 2 days, 7 hours 5 minutes, and with fares starting at just $167, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train companies
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 $262
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US 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 San Diego?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to San Diego start at $262. The average price for this train route is around $425. 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 San Diego?
The average train trip from Chicago to San Diego takes 2d and covers 2787 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to San Diego route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 2 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to San Diego?
The earliest train from Chicago to San Diego departs at 1:52pm. The latest train departs at 2:25pm.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on Dec 14, 2025 with a price of $290To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $290 to $2,707 for a train ticket from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $290 which is on 2025-12-14.
What's the cheapest way to go from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US?
The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destinationThe best way to travel between Chicago and San Diego, CA, US is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $425 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $262. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to San Diego, CA, US, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US in about 2d —that's the fastest way to get there!
