San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu, Dec 04
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train for San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL

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 prices starting from €223. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 9h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €223, and a flight costs an average of €342.

Distance: 1828 miles (2942 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€242

Average price

€223

Average price

Cheapest

€342

Average price

58h 16m

Average total duration

57h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

58h 10m

Average total duration

57h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

9h 0m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL

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Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 10 times per day, taking around 57h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $300 (€242) but you can travel from only $277 (€223) 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 54h 31m.

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
Bus from $277 (€223)
Distance
1828 miles (2942 km)
Average train duration
57h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
$300 (€242)
Trains per day
10
Fastest train
54h 31m
First train
00:30
Last train
15:05
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
Bus from $277 (€223)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Luis Obispo, CA and Chicago, IL from $277 (€223). 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
60h 9m
Cheapest Price
$272 (€219)
Amtrak frequency
11 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 San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL

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.

FAQs
The distance by train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL is 1828 miles (2942 km).
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
A day trip from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 54h 31m with a distance of 1828 miles (2942 km). Trains operate 10 times per day.
The first train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 12:30 AM.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
The last train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 3:05 PM.
The train journey from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL is considered scenic, particularly the portion along the Pacific coastline and through the Sierra Nevada. Passengers can enjoy views of the ocean, mountains, and diverse landscapes as the train travels through California and into the Midwest.
There is no high speed train available from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL.
There is no direct train service currently available from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL.
Train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $300 (€242), while the average price is around $300 (€242).
The cheapest way to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $277 (€223).
Yes, you can take the train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL.
The train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL takes 54h 31m and runs 10 per day.
The train station in San Luis Obispo, CA that goes to Chicago, IL is San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL

San Luis Obispo
Chicago
The major train station for departures in San Luis Obispo is San Luis Obispo Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Luis Obispo Station for your trip from San Luis Obispo to Chicago.
San Luis Obispo StationWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
Dining
Dining
  • Novo Restaurant & Lounge
  • Firestone Grill
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Apple Farm Inn
  • Hotel San Luis Obispo
  • Granada Hotel & Bistro
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a single platform with a waiting area and ticketing services.
Public transit options for San Luis Obispo Station
  • Bus: SLO Transit Route 1A, 1B, 3, 4, 5
  • RTA Route 9
San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office
information

More options for your journey from San Luis Obispo, CA to Chicago, IL

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