The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$236
Average price
$365
Fastest journey
2 d 42 m
Average duration
2 d 13 h 16 m
Trains per day
3
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 $365 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $236.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for San Diego, CA on Tue, Feb 24, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Feb 24 the direct trains cover the 2784 km distance in an average of 2 d 13 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 42 m .
On Tue, Feb 24 the slowest trains will take 2 d 21 h 40 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.






Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
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 flight with prices starting from €59. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 54m. 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 flight costs an average of €59, and a train costs an average of €161.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€434 Average price | €241 Average price Cheapest | €259 Average price |
50h 19m Average total duration 49h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration Fastest 4h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 48h 18m Average total duration 47h 48m 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.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA trains for today, Monday, February 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 65h35 | 1:35 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 48h27 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 48h42 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 48h42 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 48h27 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight
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.
Feb 24
Feb 25
Feb 26
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
Mar 02
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
Trains from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 49h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $203 (€161) but you can travel from only $75 (€59) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 11:03, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 1729 miles (2784 km) distance in 48h 42m.
Distance 1729 miles (2784 km) |
Average train duration 49h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $203 (€161) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 48h 42m |
First train 11:03 |
Last train 21:25 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA from $75 (€59). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
- 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
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
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