- Recommended
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center presents changing art, history, and cultural exhibitions in downtown Anaheim, combining a modern gallery with a historic Carnegie building.
Cheapest price
$434
Average price
$770
Fastest journey
1 d 22 h 23 m
Average duration
2 d 6 h 54 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
2786 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA will cost around $770 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $434.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Anaheim, CA on Wed, Aug 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct trains cover the 2786 km distance in an average of 2 d 6 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 22 h 23 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest trains will take 2 d 15 h 25 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $123. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $123, and a train costs an average of $203.
Distance: 1731 miles (2786 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$350 Average price | $203 Average price | $176 Average price Cheapest | $430 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
43h 42m Average total duration 43h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57h 55m Average total duration 57h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 24m Average total duration Fastest 4h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA:
A flight is $27 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA costing on average $203.
A flight is $175 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA costing on average $350.
Other travel options to Anaheim, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 43h 12m.
Bus takes on average 57h 25m.
Tickets start at around $350 compared to roughly $430 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $79. The journey takes 43h 12m versus 29h 5m 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:25 PM Chicago, IL | 46h23 | 6:48 PM Anaheim, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 43h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $203 but you can travel from only $123 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 13:52, the last at 18:13. The fastest train covers the 1731 miles (2786 km) distance in 46h 23m.
Distance 1731 miles (2786 km) |
Average train duration 43h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $203 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 46h 23m |
First train 1:52 PM |
Last train 6:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Anaheim, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Anaheim, CA trip today.
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center presents changing art, history, and cultural exhibitions in downtown Anaheim, combining a modern gallery with a historic Carnegie building.
The Mother Colony House is a small historic house museum from 1857. It is the best place to understand Anaheim's earliest settlement and local heritage.
Bowers Museum nearby offers acclaimed exhibitions on world cultures, California history, and art. It is one of Orange County's strongest museum visits.
Downtown Disney District is Anaheim's best-known pedestrian area for strolling, shopping, and entertainment, with lively public spaces beside the Disney parks.
Anaheim GardenWalk is an outdoor promenade near the resort area. It is a convenient walking district for visitors seeking murals, plazas, and nightlife energy.
Founders' Park preserves early Anaheim buildings and landscaped grounds. It is a pleasant heritage-focused green space for a short walk and local history stop.
A California take on fish tacos, popular across Orange County. Grilled or fried fish with cabbage and salsa reflect the region’s Mexican coastal influence.
Street-style carne asada fries topped with steak, cheese, crema, and guacamole. A beloved Southern California late-night staple found near Anaheim taquerias.
Fresh corn tortillas filled with slow-cooked beef or goat and served with consommé. A regional favorite rooted in Mexican food culture across Anaheim and Orange County.
Historic casual restaurant at the Anaheim Packing House, celebrated for Nashville hot chicken and a bustling communal food hall atmosphere.
Intimate speakeasy-style venue in the Packing District serving polished cocktails and upscale small plates in a refined hidden-bar setting.
Well-known modern food hall with local vendors, coffee, desserts, and diverse casual dining inside a restored citrus packing building.
Anaheim is pricier than many US cities near major attractions; hotels and dining around Disneyland raise costs, while transit is limited so rideshares often add to budgets.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA 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 Anaheim, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA trains use the Union Station to Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Anaheim, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center is 4 km from Anaheim city centre. Public transport options include:
Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: JT Schmid's Restaurant & Brewery, The Catch
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ayres Hotel Anaheim, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Anaheim Maingate Near Angel Stadium, Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim Orange.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need