How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chicago start at $262. The average price for this train route is around $419. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from San Diego to Chicago?

The average train trip from San Diego to Chicago takes 1d 22h and covers 2787 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1d 22h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the San Diego to Chicago 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 San Diego to Chicago?

The earliest train from San Diego to Chicago departs at 2:01pm. The latest train departs at 4:10pm.

Train San Diego to Chicago from $290 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 12
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 13
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 December 14
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 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 15
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
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
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 16
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
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
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 17
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
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	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 December 18
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
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Tuesday at 8:08 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Chicago

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 1 day, 22 hours 41 minutes, and with fares starting at just $262, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

1d 22hAverage Duration

2787 kmDistance

254kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$190 - $758	Average Duration2d 6h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$262 - $1,814	Average Duration1d 22h	CO₂ emissions 254kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,638 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5638 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

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago 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 San Diego to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chicago start at $262. The average price for this train route is around $419. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from San Diego to Chicago?
The average train trip from San Diego to Chicago takes 1d 22h and covers 2787 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1d 22h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the San Diego to Chicago 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 San Diego to Chicago?
The earliest train from San Diego to Chicago departs at 2:01pm. The latest train departs at 4:10pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12-09

$464

12-10

$570

Today

$1,751

12-12

$478

12-13

$472

12-14

$464

12-15

$464

12-16

$534

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 9, 2025 with a price of $464

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 $464 to $1,977 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 $464 which is on 2025-12-14.