How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Oakland?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start from R 2 151. The average price for this train route is around R 4 460. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Oakland?

The average train journey time from Chicago to Oakland is 2d 11h, covering a distance of 2971 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?

Several major train operators run on 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 07:40. And the latest train departs at 15:05.

Train Chicago to Oakland from R 2 940 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 13 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 14 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 15 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 16 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	13:52	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 17 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 5h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 10h	17:07	Emeryville Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 1:09 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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 R 3 850, 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 priceR 3 850 - R 11 606	Average duration2d 11h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 2 151 - R 63 755	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

4/55 638 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 Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at R 2 151

US train 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 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 Chicago to Oakland?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start from R 2 151. The average price for this train route is around R 4 460. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Oakland?
The average train journey time from Chicago to Oakland is 2d 11h, covering a distance of 2971 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?
Several major train operators run on 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 07:40. And the latest train departs at 15:05.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

09/12

R 4 358

10/12

R 4 358

Today

R 5 223

12/12

R 4 358

13/12

R 3 632

14/12

R 4 358

15/12

R 4 358

16/12

R 4 358

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Oakland was searched and found on 13 Dec 2025 with a price of R 3 632

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 R 3 632 to R 32 545 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 R 3 632, which is on 2025-12-13.