Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, Jan 09
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for Jan 10

Cheapest price

$379

Average price

$383

Fastest journey

2 d 28 m

Average duration

2 d 3 h 59 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

2784 km

Cheap tickets

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 $383 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $379.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.

Amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner
02:25PM48h28
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
12:53PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA
$3791One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner
02:25PM48h42
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
01:07PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$3791One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner
02:25PM48h28
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
12:53PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA
$3841One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner
02:25PM48h42
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
01:07PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$3851One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
02:00PM65h35
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
05:35AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$3861One-way
2 transfers

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 bus with prices starting from €98. 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 €98, and a train costs an average of €161.

Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€290

Average price

€205

Average price

€182

Average price

Cheapest

50h 38m

Average total duration

50h 8m

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

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

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, Friday, January 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:17 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
65h35
1:35 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA2 transfers
amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 564 Pacific Surfliner8:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
69h54
6:04 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 564 Pacific Surfliner8:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
69h40
5:50 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 3370 AMTRAK8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
49h15
9:40 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA2 transfers
amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 3370 AMTRAK8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
49h30
9:55 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA2 transfers

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.

Sat
Jan 10
Sun
Jan 11
Mon
Jan 12
Tue
Jan 13
Wed
Jan 14
Thu
Jan 15
Fri
Jan 16

Why should you book Chicago to San Diego trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Chicago to San Diego. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago to San Diego.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago to San Diego.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 50h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $200 (€161) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) 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.

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
Flight from $47 (€38)
Distance
1729 miles (2784 km)
Average train duration
50h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
$200 (€161)
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
48h 42m
First train
11:03
Last train
21:25
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
Flight from $47 (€38)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA from $47 (€38). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
48h 42m
Cheapest Price
$202 (€163)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $200 (€161), while the average price is around $360 (€290).
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $47 (€38).
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA offers scenic views, especially through the Southwestern United States, featuring expansive deserts, picturesque mountains, and charming small towns along the way.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 48h 42m. The distance is 1729 miles (2784 km), and there are 5 trips available per day for trains.
The first train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA leaves at 11:03 AM.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA is 1729 miles (2784 km).
The train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA takes 48h 42m and runs 5 per day.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to San Diego, CA is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA.
The last train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA leaves at 9:25 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA

Chicago
San Diego
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 San Diego.
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

Most popular trains to and from San Diego, CA and Chicago, IL

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Diego, CAChicago, IL to San Diego, CA train

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