How much is the train ticket from Bakersfield to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Bakersfield to Chicago start from R 6 947. The average price for this train route is around R 8 371. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Bakersfield to Chicago?

The average train journey time from Bakersfield to Chicago is 3d , covering a distance of 2803 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 22h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Bakersfield to Chicago route?

Several major train operators run on this route, with 1 trains available per day.

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

The earliest train from Bakersfield to Chicago departs at 14:02. And the latest train departs at 14:12.

Train Bakersfield to Chicago from R 9 186 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures from Bakersfield to Chicago on 15 December
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		16:02	Amtrak Station	2d 22h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
		16:02	Amtrak Station	2d 22h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Bakersfield to Chicago on 16 December
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		16:02	Amtrak Station	2d 22h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
		14:02	Amtrak Station	3d	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Bakersfield to Chicago on 17 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
16:02	Amtrak Station	2d 22h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
14:02	Amtrak Station	3d	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:02	Amtrak Station	3d	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
16:02	Amtrak Station	2d 22h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Bakersfield to Chicago on 18 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
16:02	Amtrak Station	2d 22h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
14:02	Amtrak Station	3d	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:02	Amtrak Station	3d	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
16:02	Amtrak Station	2d 22h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Bakersfield to Chicago on 21 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
16:02	Amtrak Station	2d 22h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
14:02	Amtrak Station	3d	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
14:02	Amtrak Station	3d	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
16:02	Amtrak Station	2d 22h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 4:32 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Bakersfield to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 5 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just R 2 652, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

8bus per day

2d 5hAverage duration

2802 kmDistance

70kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 2 652 - R 12 766	Average duration2d 5h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 6 947 - R 46 524	Average duration3d	CO₂ emissions 255kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 648 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5648 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 R 6 947

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Bakersfield to Chicago by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Bakersfield to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Bakersfield to Chicago start from R 6 947. The average price for this train route is around R 8 371. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Bakersfield to Chicago?
The average train journey time from Bakersfield to Chicago is 3d , covering a distance of 2803 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 22h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Bakersfield to Chicago route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 1 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Bakersfield to Chicago?
The earliest train from Bakersfield to Chicago departs at 14:02. And the latest train departs at 14:12.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

13/12

R 7 689

14/12

R 9 943

Today

R 9 186

16/12

R 63 353

17/12

R 11 749

18/12

R 10 304

19/12

No data

20/12

R 10 304

The cheapest trip from Bakersfield to Chicago was searched and found on 13 Dec 2025 with a price of R 7 689

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

You can expect to pay from R 7 689 to R 67 670 for a train ticket from Bakersfield to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 10 304, which is on 2025-12-18.