Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA train with Amtrak

Tue, Dec 23
+ Add return
Amtrak
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 23

Cheapest price

$367

Average price

$370

Fastest journey

2 d 6 h 10 m

Average duration

2 d 18 h 27 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

2957 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA will cost around $370 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $367.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for San Jose, CA on Tue, Dec 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 23 the direct trains cover the 2957 km distance in an average of 2 d 18 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 6 h 10 m .

On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest trains will take 3 d 6 h 43 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.

Amtrak
06:52PM78h43
Chicago, IL
01:35AMSan Jose, CA
$3671One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
07:25PM54h10
Chicago, IL
01:35AMSan Jose, CA
$3731One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €83. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €83, and a bus costs an average of €129.

Distance: 1837 miles (2957 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€254

Average price

€240

Average price

Cheapest

€283

Average price

62h 37m

Average total duration

62h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 11m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

52h 35m

Average total duration

52h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.9 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

8.9 - 17.7kg

CO2 emissions

3.0 - 7.4kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

United

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.

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to San Jose, 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.

Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29

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

Amtrak operates all train services from Chicago to San Jose. 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago to San Jose.

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 bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago to San Jose.

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 62h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $215 (€172) but you can travel from only $104 (€83) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 19:58. The fastest train covers the 1837 miles (2957 km) distance in 54h 10m.

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 $104 (€83)
Distance
1837 miles (2957 km)
Average train duration
62h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
$215 (€172)
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
54h 10m
First train
04:30
Last train
19:58
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 $104 (€83)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and San Jose, CA from $104 (€83). 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
54h 10m
Cheapest Price
$250 (€200)
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 Jose, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in San Jose, CA is sufficient to explore its key attractions, such as the Tech Interactive, Winchester Mystery House, Santana Row, and local museums.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA is considered scenic as it traverses diverse landscapes, including the plains of the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada, offering passengers picturesque views of rivers, forests, and mountain ranges.
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $215 (€172), while the average price is around $318 (€254).
A day trip from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 54h 10m and covers 1837 miles (2957 km). There are 7 trips per day by train.
In San Jose, CA, you can explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, visit the Children's Discovery Museum, enjoy performances at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, and discover Silicon Valley's history at the Computer History Museum. For outdoor activities, take a scenic hike in Alum Rock Park. Top sights include the Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and the Municipal Rose Garden.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $104 (€83).
The train from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA takes 54h 10m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA is 1837 miles (2957 km).
The last train from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA leaves at 7:58 PM.
The first train from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA leaves at 4:30 AM.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to San Jose, CA is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA.

popular train stations

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

Chicago
San Jose
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 Jose.
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 Jose, CA and Chicago, IL

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