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

The cheapest train tickets from San Jose to Chicago start from $169. The average price for this train route is around $426. 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 Jose to Chicago?

The average train ride duration from San Jose to Chicago is 2d 18h, covering a distance of 1835 miles (2959 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 6h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the San Jose 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 Jose to Chicago?

The earliest train departs from San Jose to Chicago at 6:18am. And the latest train departs at 7:58pm.

Train San Jose to Chicago from $189 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for San Jose to Chicago on December 12
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Chicago on December 13
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
	Train	7:58pm	Diridon Station	2d 18h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Tuesday at 7:09 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Jose to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 13 hours 25 minutes and with fares starting at just $108, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

4bus per day

2d 13hAverage Duration

1836 milesDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$108 - $731	Average Duration2d 13h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$169 - $1,931	Average Duration2d 18h	CO₂ emissions 269kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in San Jose, US and Chicago?

San Jose, US

A
Diridon Station
65 Cahill St., San Jose, CA 95110
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. 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 $169

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 Jose, 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 Jose to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from San Jose to Chicago start from $169. The average price for this train route is around $426. 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 Jose to Chicago?
The average train ride duration from San Jose to Chicago is 2d 18h, covering a distance of 1835 miles (2959 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 6h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the San Jose 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 Jose to Chicago?
The earliest train departs from San Jose to Chicago at 6:18am. And the latest train departs at 7:58pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12/10

$229

12/11

$3,152

Today

$444

12/13

$485

12/14

$313

12/15

$189

12/16

No data

12/17

$321

The cheapest trip from San Jose, US to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 15, 2025 with a price of $189

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

You can expect to pay from $189 to $3,152 for a train ticket from San Jose, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $189 which is on 2025-12-15.