Travel Information
Compare train for Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €233. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €233, and a flight costs an average of €402.
Distance: 1803 miles (2903 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€303 Average price | €402 Average price | €233 Average price Cheapest |
54h 48m Average total duration 54h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 9m Average total duration Fastest 8h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 63h 35m Average total duration 63h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 9 times per day, taking around 54h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $372 (€303) but you can travel from only $286 (€233) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:31, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 1803 miles (2903 km) distance in 51h 53m.
Distance 1803 miles (2903 km) |
Average train duration 54h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $372 (€303) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 51h 53m |
First train 08:31 |
Last train 22:20 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL start from as low as $372 (€303) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $372 (€303) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 9 daily trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 51h 53m but the average duration is 54h 18m
Train Operators
- Travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL with Amtrak
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Amtrak.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA and arrive in Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
- First train typically departs at 08:31 AM and the last at 10:20 PM
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and Chicago, IL from $286 (€233). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, 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 Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- The Lark
- Santo Mezcal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Hotel Californian
- Harbor View Inn
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- Located near the platform
- Free
- The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
- Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
- 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
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