The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA
Cheapest price
$538
Average price
$538
Fastest journey
3 d 5 h 55 m
Average duration
3 d 5 h 55 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2789 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, CA will cost around $538 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $538.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Pasadena, CA on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 2789 km distance in an average of 3 d 5 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 d 5 h 55 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 3 d 5 h 55 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.
8:05 PM77h55Chicago, IL2:00 AMPasadena, CA$5381One-way0 transfers
8:05 PM77h55Chicago, IL2:00 AMPasadena, CA$5381One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $262. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $262, and a train costs an average of $538.
Distance: 1733 miles (2789 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$1679 Average price | $283 Average price | $281 Average price Cheapest | $407 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
78h 25m Average total duration 77h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 46h 10m Average total duration 45h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 27m Average total duration Fastest 7h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 28h 58m 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 Pasadena, CA:
A flight is $2 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA costing on average $283.
A flight is $1398 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA costing on average $1679.
Other travel options to Pasadena, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 45h 40m.
Train takes on average 77h 55m.
Tickets start at around $1679 compared to roughly $407 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-1272.19. The journey takes 77h 55m versus 28h 58m 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
Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:05 PM Chicago, IL | 77h55 | 2:00 AM Pasadena, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA 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.
Aug 05
Aug 06
Aug 07
Aug 08
Aug 09
Aug 10
Aug 11
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 77h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $538 but you can travel from only $253 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 12:45, the last at 12:45. The fastest train covers the 1733 miles (2789 km) distance in 77h 55m.
Distance 1733 miles (2789 km) |
Average train duration 77h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $538 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 77h 55m |
First train 12:45 PM |
Last train 12:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA
Most Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA trains use the Union Station to Pasadena, S Los Robles Ave (Hilton Hotel) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Pasadena, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Pasadena, CA leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Which Pasadena, CA station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to Pasadena, S Los Robles Ave (Hilton Hotel) from Pasadena city centre
Pasadena, S Los Robles Ave (Hilton Hotel) train station facilities and services
Pasadena, S Los Robles Ave (Hilton Hotel) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Hotel restaurant and nearby dining options.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
WiFi available in the hotel lobby. ATMs are aTM available in the hotel lobby.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Pasadena, S Los Robles Ave (Hilton Hotel).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Pasadena, S Los Robles Ave (Hilton Hotel): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Pasadena, S Los Robles Ave (Hilton Hotel): Elevator access for disabled guests.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
