How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chicago start from $186. The average price for this train route is around $297. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from San Diego to Chicago?

The average train ride duration from San Diego to Chicago is 1d 22h, covering a distance of 1728 miles (2787 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 22h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the San Diego to Chicago route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Diego to Chicago?

The earliest train departs from San Diego to Chicago at 2:01pm. And the latest train departs at 4:10pm.

Train San Diego to Chicago from $205 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 12
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 13
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 14
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 15
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 16
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 17
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 19h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on December 18
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	1d 22h	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Tuesday at 8:08 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Chicago

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 1 day, 22 hours 41 minutes and with fares starting at just $186, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

1d 22hAverage Duration

1728 milesDistance

254kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$135 - $537	Average Duration2d 6h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$186 - $1,285	Average Duration1d 22h	CO₂ emissions 254kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,637 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5637 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $186

Train and bus companies in US:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about traveling from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago by train

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

How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chicago start from $186. The average price for this train route is around $297. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from San Diego to Chicago?
The average train ride duration from San Diego to Chicago is 1d 22h, covering a distance of 1728 miles (2787 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 22h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the San Diego to Chicago route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Diego to Chicago?
The earliest train departs from San Diego to Chicago at 2:01pm. And the latest train departs at 4:10pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12/09

$328

12/10

$403

Today

$1,240

12/12

$338

12/13

$334

12/14

$328

12/15

$328

12/16

$378

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 9, 2025 with a price of $328

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

You can expect to pay from $328 to $1,400 for a train ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $328 which is on 2025-12-14.