The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$299
Average price
$299
Fastest journey
1 d 20 h 38 m
Average duration
1 d 20 h 38 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2787 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $299 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $299.
Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Ana, CA for Chicago, IL on Tue, May 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 2787 km distance in an average of 1 d 20 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 20 h 38 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 1 d 20 h 38 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.
11:04 PM44h38Santa Ana, CA7:42 PMChicago, IL$2991One-way0 transfers
11:04 PM44h38Santa Ana, CA7:42 PMChicago, IL$2991One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $200. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $200, and a train costs an average of $247.
Distance: 1731 miles (2787 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$468 Average price | $412 Average price | $305 Average price Cheapest | $413 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
43h 28m Average total duration 42h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 51h 53m Average total duration 51h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 29h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $108 (€87) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $412 (€333).
A bus is $163 (€132) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $468 (€377).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 42h 58m.
Bus takes on average 51h 23m.
Tickets start at around $468 (€377) compared to roughly $413 (€333) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-55.06 (€-44.40). The journey takes 42h 58m versus 29h 5m 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.
Live departures
Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Monday, May 25. 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 | 4:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 44h38 | 2:42 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 Santa Ana, 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.
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 42h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $247 (€199) but you can travel from only $200 (€161) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 13:52, the last at 18:04. The fastest train covers the 1731 miles (2787 km) distance in 44h 38m.
Distance 1731 miles (2787 km) |
Average train duration 42h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $247 (€199) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 44h 38m |
First train 1:52 PM |
Last train 6:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Santa Ana, CA and Chicago, IL from $200 (€161). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
FAQs: Trains from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available with several spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant
- Chapter One: the modern local
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $0.50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana
- Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink services
- Bus: OCTA routes 53, 83, 206
- Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink Orange County Line
- 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 Santa Ana, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
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