How much is the train ticket from Oakland to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Oakland to Chicago start from R 2 151. The average price for this train route is around R 4 405. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Oakland to Chicago?

The average train journey time from Oakland to Chicago is 2d 5h, 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 Oakland to Chicago route?

Several major train operators run on this route, with 8 trains available per day.

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

The earliest train from Oakland to Chicago departs at 07:12. And the latest train departs at 21:41.

Train Oakland to Chicago from R 2 473 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 12 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
21:41	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
21:21	Jack London Square	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
21:21	Jack London Square	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
21:41	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 13 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
08:15	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
07:48	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:48	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:55	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:55	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 14 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
08:15	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
07:48	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:48	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:55	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:55	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 15 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
08:15	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 16 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
08:15	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 17 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
08:15	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 18 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
08:15	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 19 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:18	Jack London Square	3d 1h	13:44	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
08:15	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
07:20	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:35	Jack London Square	2d 5h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
07:55	Jack London Square	2d 4h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 7:13 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Oakland 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 2 days, 5 hours 26 minutes and with fares starting at just R 2 151, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

8train per day

2d 5hAverage duration

2971 kmDistance

270kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 3 823 - R 10 029	Average duration2d 15h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 2 151 - R 25 447	Average duration2d 5h	CO₂ emissions 270kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Oakland and Chicago?

Oakland

A
Emeryville Station
5885 Horton St, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
Visit page

Chicago

A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 639 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

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 Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at R 2 151

Amtrak Oakland Chicago recent customer reviews

Wish I could go first class I know they had a ball super comfortable and an overall decent ride definitely bringing the kids next time

Yesenia C.

1 April 2024

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Oakland 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 Oakland to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Oakland to Chicago start from R 2 151. The average price for this train route is around R 4 405. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Oakland to Chicago?
The average train journey time from Oakland to Chicago is 2d 5h, 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 Oakland to Chicago route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 8 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Oakland to Chicago?
The earliest train from Oakland to Chicago departs at 07:12. And the latest train departs at 21:41.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

10/12

R 7 745

11/12

R 7 745

Today

R 8 247

13/12

R 5 221

14/12

R 4 357

15/12

R 4 357

16/12

R 4 357

17/12

R 6 380

The cheapest trip from Oakland to Chicago was searched and found on 14 Dec 2025 with a price of R 4 357

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

You can expect to pay from R 4 357 to R 61 008 for a train ticket from Oakland to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 4 357, which is on 2025-12-14.