Next departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | Cheapest | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Old Town San Diego | Fastest | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | No tags | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | No tags | |||||
| Chicago (Union Station), IL | Santa Fe Depot | No tags |
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Compare 2 ways to travel from Chicago to San Diego
Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 2 days, 42 minutes and with fares starting at just US$186, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train Chicago to San Diego, CA, US: Trip Overview
Please note, this information is subject to change.
Train Companies
Based on 5562 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$186
Chicago to San Diego Train
Busbud helps you find a train from Chicago to San Diego. Get the best fare and schedule, book a round trip ticket or find trains with WiFi and electrical outlets.
Train services from Chicago to San Diego will be provided by the most trusted companies.
From train tickets to high-end trains trip from Chicago to San Diego, we offer a wide range of train services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.
Frequently asked questions on the trip Chicago - San Diego, CA, US
How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to San Diego cost?
The average train ticket price from Chicago to San Diego is US$258. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to San Diego 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 Chicago to San Diego?
A train trip between Chicago and San Diego is around 2d , although the fastest train will take about 2d . This is the time it takes to travel the 2788 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Chicago and San Diego?
The number of trains from Chicago to San Diego can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to San Diego by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Chicago to San Diego?
When taking the train from Chicago to San Diego, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on 04 Nov 2025 with a price of US$205To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from US$205 to US$2 947 for a train ticket from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$205, which is on 2025-11-04.
About Train Travel
Train Travel Tips
There are many train stations in the world, explore station pages on Busbud to get all information you need.
No matter if you plan to take a regional or high-speed train to San Diego, the planet will thank you. You’ll help to protect the beautiful landscapes that will unfold before your very eyes.
The train emits up to 30x less CO2 for a trip between Chicago and San Diego compared to the same trip made by plane or car. A truly ecological mode of transport that will allow you to easily reduce your carbon footprint.
Make a music playlist for your train ride from Chicago to San Diego and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.
Did you know?
The magnetic levitation train (Maglev for short) is currently the fastest train in the world. With a speed of 603 km/ h, it is closely followed by the French high-speed train (574.8 km / h) which remains in 2020, the fastest train to date
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.
One of the deepest train stations in the world is in Kiev. Located at a depth of 105m, it was designed in this way to serve as a shelter in the event of an attack. The second deepest station is in China. Badaling station is located 60m under the Great Wall of China!
Top Travelled Train Routes
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