The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$324
Average price
$324
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 $324 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $324.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Chicago, IL on Sat, Mar 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 07 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, Mar 07 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, flight, and bus 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 flight with prices starting from $83. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 32m. 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 $83, and a train costs an average of $199.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$527 Average price | $262 Average price Cheapest | $342 Average price |
48h 39m Average total duration 48h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 32m Average total duration Fastest 4h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 49h 18m Average total duration 48h 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
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, March 6. 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, March 7 | |||||
785 Pacific Surfliner · 422 Texas Eagle | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 66h48 | 6:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 422 Texas Eagle | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 66h39 | 6:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
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, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus 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.
Mar 07
Mar 08
Mar 09
Mar 10
Mar 11
Mar 12
Mar 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Trains from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 48h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $199 (€161) but you can travel from only $83 (€67) 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 48h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $199 (€161) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 46h 41m |
First train 11:03 |
Last train 16:40 |
Cheapest month Oct |
Cheapest day Tue |
High season Jul - Sep |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Busiest day Tue |
Least busy day Tue |
Best day to book ahead 56 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Chicago, IL from $83 (€67). 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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


