- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€821
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€821
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 d 8 h 31 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 d 15 h 2 m
Trains on Sep 19
2
Distance
2942 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around €821 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €821.
It's difficult to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €204 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €204, while a train costs an average of €891.
Distance: 1828 miles (2942 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€891 Average price | €204 Average price Cheapest | €656 Average price | €361 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
59h 55m Average total duration 59h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 52h 3m Average total duration 51h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 19m Average total duration Fastest 6h 19m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 31h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is €451 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average €656.
A bus is €687 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average €891.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 51h 33m.
Train takes on average 59h 25m.
Tickets start at around €891 compared to roughly €361 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-529.72. The journey takes 59h 25m versus 31h 29m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:11 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 56h31 | 2:42 PM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:12 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 69h32 | 1:44 PM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 59h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €430 but you can travel from only €195 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 1828 miles (2942 km) distance in 48h 55m.
Distance 1828 miles (2942 km) |
Average train duration 59h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price €430 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 48h 55m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, 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.

Most San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL trains use the San Luis Obispo Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Luis Obispo, CA and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
San Luis Obispo Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Novo Restaurant & Lounge, Firestone Grill
Free.
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo Station.
Nearby hotels include Apple Farm Inn, Hotel San Luis Obispo, Granada Hotel & Bistro.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need