Compare 2 ways to travel from Santa Barbara to Chicago
Busbud recommends taking the bus from Santa Barbara to ChicagoAmong the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 11 hours 10 minutes and with fares starting at just US$238, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train Santa Barbara to Chicago: Trip Overview
Please note, this information is subject to change.
Train Companies
Based on 5218 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 Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at US$493
Santa Barbara to Chicago Train
Busbud shows you the best train ticket fares and train schedules so you can plan and book a trip by train easily from Santa Barbara to Chicago.
Train services from Santa Barbara to Chicago will be provided by the most trusted companies.
Whether it is train tickets or first class train tickets going to Chicago from Santa Barbara, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.
Where are the popular train stations and stops in Santa Barbara and Chicago?
Frequently asked questions on the trip Santa Barbara - Chicago
How much does a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara to Chicago cost?
The average train ticket price from Santa Barbara to Chicago is US$556. The best way to find cheap 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 3d 2h, although the fastest train will take about 2d 17h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1802 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train 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 1.6666666666666667. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. 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 travelling between Santa Barbara and Chicago leave from Train Station or Greyhound Station and arrive at Union Station.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago was searched and found on 21 Jun 2025 with a price of US$334To 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 US$334 to US$3,972 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 US$334, which is on 2025-06-21.
About Train Travel
Train Travel Tips
Do you like to go fast? With high-speed trains going faster than 300 km/h on certain routes, the time will fly by. Taking a train between Santa Barbara and Chicago is also a great way to travel to arrive in the city centre and save more time for your stay in Chicago.
No matter if you plan to take a regional or high-speed train to Chicago, the planet will thank you. You’ll help to protect the beautiful landscapes that will unfold before your very eyes.
By choosing the train between Santa Barbara and Chicago, you emit up to 30 times less CO2 than for the same journey made by plane or car!
Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your train trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.
Did you know?
The first high-speed train line was inaugurated in 1964, in Japan, to connect Tokyo with Osaka. It was during the Olympics that the first passengers travelled aboard the Shinkansen at a speed of 210 km / h.
Railway companies played a major role as early as 1883 in the use of time zones as we know them today.
Some trains in Sweden can recover more than a fifth of the energy they use by braking. This is especially true with ore trains as they descend from Narvik to Kiruna.
Top Travelled Train Routes
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