Cheapest price
$432
Average price
$2083
Fastest journey
2 d 28 m
Average duration
2 d 3 h 57 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
2784 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around $2083 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $432.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €97. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €97, and a train costs an average of €164.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
---|---|---|
€360 Average price | €234 Average price | €229 Average price Cheapest |
50h 8m Average total duration 49h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 55m Average total duration Fastest 4h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 45h 8m Average total duration 44h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:00 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL | 65h25 | 12:25 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 7:25 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL | 48h28 | 7:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:25 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL | 48h28 | 7:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:25 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL | 48h42 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:25 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL | 48h42 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Distance 1729 miles (2784 km) |
Average train duration 49h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $204 (€164) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 48h 42m |
First train 11:03 |
Last train 21:25 |
Amtrak trains will get you to San Diego, CA from Chicago, IL from $233 (€187). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak is the main train company in the United States operating medium and long-distance intercity services in 46 US states as well as in 3 Canadian provinces. There are over 300 Amtrak trains running daily. With Amtrak you can travel by train across the country and explore destinations near and far with routes such as the Northeast Regional connecting cities in the East Coast, the Coast Starlight connecting destinations up and down the West Coast, the Empire Builder connecting Chicago and Midwestern cities to the Northwest, and many more.
Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA train information:
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need