The cheapest and fastest trains from California City, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$306
Average price
$478
Fastest journey
1 d 18 h 42 m
Average duration
2 d 4 h 38 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
2728 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from California City, 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 California City, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $478 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $306.
Of the 3 trains that leave California City, CA for Chicago, IL on Sun, May 24, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct trains cover the 2728 km distance in an average of 2 d 4 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 18 h 42 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest trains will take 3 d 30 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.
2:00 AM42h42California City, CA8:42 PMChicago, IL$3061One-way0 transfers
1:00 AM42h42California City, CA7:42 PMChicago, IL$5321One-way0 transfers
9:15 PM72h30California City, CA9:45 PMChicago, IL$5971One-way0 transfers
2:00 AM42h42California City, CA8:42 PMChicago, IL$3061One-way0 transfers
1:00 AM42h42California City, CA7:42 PMChicago, IL$5321One-way0 transfers
9:15 PM72h30California City, CA9:45 PMChicago, IL$5971One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for California City, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from California City, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $116. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $116, and a bus costs an average of $578.
Distance: 1695 miles (2728 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$453 Average price | $237 Average price Cheapest | $578 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
58h 55m Average total duration 58h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 72h 43m Average total duration 72h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from California City, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $216 (€175) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from California City, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $453 (€367).
A flight is $341 (€276) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from California City, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $578 (€468).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 58h 25m.
Bus takes on average 72h 13m.
Tickets start at around $453 (€367) compared to roughly $24 (€19) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-429.34 (€-347.60). The journey takes 58h 25m versus 28h 20m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
California City, CA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for California City, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:15 PM California City, CA | 72h30 | 9:45 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, May 23 | |||||
![]() | 1:00 AM California City, CA | 42h42 | 7:42 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:00 AM California City, CA | 42h42 | 8:42 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets California City, CA to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
Journey information
Overview: Train from California City, CA to Chicago, IL
Trains from California City, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 58h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $188 (€152) but you can travel from only $116 (€94) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 12:55, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 1695 miles (2728 km) distance in 42h 12m.
Distance 1695 miles (2728 km) |
Average train duration 58h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $188 (€152) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 42h 12m |
First train 12:55 PM |
Last train 6:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 56 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from California City, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between California City, CA and Chicago, IL from $116 (€94). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from California City, CA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from California City, 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from California City, CA to Chicago, IL
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from California City, CA to Chicago, IL
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