Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA train

Thu, May 07
+ Add return
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
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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 bus with prices starting from $420. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $420, and a flight costs an average of $617.

Distance: 1733 miles (2789 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

$503

Average price

$420

Average price

Cheapest

$617

Average price

44h 2m

Average total duration

43h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

46h 10m

Average total duration

45h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 40m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA is a bus with an average price of $420 (€335).

This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA:

A bus is $83 (€66) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA costing on average $503 (€401).

A bus is $197 (€158) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA costing on average $617 (€493).

The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 6h 40m.

Other travel options to Pasadena, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 43h 32m.

Bus takes on average 45h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Pasadena, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA among Omio's users.

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.

Thu
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
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May 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 43h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $503 (€401) but you can travel from only $420 (€335) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 12:45, the last at 12:45. The fastest train covers the 1733 miles (2789 km) distance in 43h 32m.

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
Bus from $420 (€335)
Distance
1733 miles (2789 km)
Average train duration
43h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
$503 (€401)
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
43h 32m
First train
12:45 PM
Last train
12:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
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
Bus from $420 (€335)

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $503 (€401), while the average price is around $503 (€401).
The train from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA takes 43h 32m and runs 13 per day.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA is 1733 miles (2789 km).
The first train from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA leaves at 12:45 PM.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA leaves at 12:45 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $420 (€335).
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA offers scenic views, especially as it traverses the vast landscapes of the Midwest and the dramatic terrains of the Southwest, including deserts, mountains, and canyons, providing travelers with a picturesque experience.
In Pasadena, CA, you can explore the Eaton Canyon Natural Area for hiking and wildlife observation, or visit the Gamble House for a guided tour of American Arts and Crafts architecture. Families can enjoy interactive exhibits at Kidspace Children's Museum, while the Pasadena Ice Skating Center offers fun skating opportunities. Arlington Garden is perfect for a relaxing stroll. For culture and art, visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, or the Norton Simon Museum. Old Pasadena provides shopping and dining experiences, and the Rose Bowl Stadium hosts major events and a flea market. Catch a performance at the historic Pasadena Playhouse.
For a fulfilling experience in Pasadena, CA, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal. This timeframe allows you to explore key attractions like the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, the Norton Simon Museum, and Old Pasadena, while also enjoying local dining and shopping.
No, you cannot take the train from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Pasadena, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Pasadena, CA include Oceanside, CA, Irvine, CA, Carlsbad, CA.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Pasadena, CA, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas like Old Town Pasadena and public transit stops. Common scams include overcharging by unlicensed taxi or rideshare drivers and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying alert in busy places and using official transportation services helps ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, CA

Chicago
Pasadena
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Pasadena.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

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

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Most popular train connections to Pasadena, CA

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