Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri, Nov 21
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 21

Cheapest price

$557

Average price

$557

Fastest journey

2 d 6 h 14 m

Average duration

2 d 6 h 14 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

2968 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $557 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $557.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Berkeley, CA for Chicago, IL on Fri, Nov 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 21 the direct trains cover the 2968 km distance in an average of 2 d 6 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 6 h 14 m .

On Fri, Nov 21 the slowest trains will take 2 d 6 h 14 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
08:25AM54h14
Berkeley, CA
02:39PMChicago, IL
$5571One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €110. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €110, and a train costs an average of €198.

Distance: 1844 miles (2968 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€198

Average price

€127

Average price

€110

Average price

Cheapest

52h 19m

Average total duration

51h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

64h 50m

Average total duration

64h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 58m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:55 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak8:25 AM Berkeley, CA
54h14
2:39 PM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27

Journey information

Overview: Train from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 51h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $243 (€198) but you can travel from only $136 (€110) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 07:24, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 1844 miles (2968 km) distance in 53h 14m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $136 (€110)
Distance
1844 miles (2968 km)
Average train duration
51h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
$243 (€198)
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
53h 14m
First train
07:24
Last train
21:41
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $136 (€110)

Train companies: Amtrak from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Berkeley, CA and Chicago, IL from $136 (€110). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
53h 0m
Cheapest Price
$243 (€198)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $243 (€198), while the average price is around $243 (€198).
The distance by train from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL is 1844 miles (2968 km).
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
The first train from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 7:24 AM.
The cheapest way to get from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL is by flight, with a cost of around $136 (€110).
The last train from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 9:41 PM.
The train station in Berkeley, CA that goes to Chicago, IL is Berkeley Station, Berkeley, CA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL.
A day trip from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 53h 14m and covers 1844 miles (2968 km). There is 1 train per day for this route.
The train journey from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL is considered scenic, offering views of diverse landscapes including the Sierra Nevada mountains, the expansive deserts of Nevada and Utah, the Colorado Rockies, and the Great Plains before reaching the urban skyline of Chicago.
The train from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL runs once a day and takes approximately 53h 14m.
There is no high speed train available from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL

Berkeley
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Berkeley is Berkeley Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Berkeley Station for your trip from Berkeley to Chicago.
Berkeley StationParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCBike RentalCar Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km

More options for your journey from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Berkeley, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, ILBerkeley, CA to Chicago, IL train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone