The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$274
Average price
$274
Fastest journey
1 d 22 h 41 m
Average duration
1 d 22 h 41 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2784 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $274 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $274.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Chicago, IL on Sat, Dec 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Dec 06 the direct trains cover the 2784 km distance in an average of 1 d 22 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 22 h 41 m .
On Sat, Dec 06 the slowest trains will take 1 d 22 h 41 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 San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €108. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 29m. 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 €108, and a train costs an average of €161.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€255 Average price | €234 Average price | €200 Average price Cheapest |
50h 3m Average total duration 49h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 29m Average total duration Fastest 4h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 54h 22m Average total duration 53h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Friday, December 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 10:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 46h41 | 8:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 10:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 46h32 | 8:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, December 6 | |||||
785 Pacific Surfliner · 422 Texas Eagle | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 67h43 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 68h38 | 8:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 422 Texas Eagle | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 67h34 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 68h29 | 8:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL 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.
Dec 06
Dec 07
Dec 08
Dec 09
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Trains from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 49h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $199 (€161) but you can travel from only $91 (€73) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 11:03, the last at 16:40. The fastest train covers the 1729 miles (2784 km) distance in 46h 41m.
Distance 1729 miles (2784 km) |
Average train duration 49h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $199 (€161) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 46h 41m |
First train 11:03 |
Last train 16:40 |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Chicago, IL from $91 (€73). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
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