- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Take a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL and enjoy the approximately 1803 miles (2903 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 08:31, the last at 22:20.
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
Distance 1803 miles (2903 km) |
First train 8:31 AM |
Last train 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
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
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, October 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4770 Connecting Bus · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 6:00 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 55h29 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
| 774 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 8:31 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 52h58 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| 774 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 8:49 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 52h40 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| 5619 Connecting Bus · 719 Gold Runner · 3819 Connecting Bus · 14 Coast Starlight | 11:30 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 75h15 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4 transfers | |
| 5619 Connecting Bus · 4 Southwest Chief | 11:30 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 49h59 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| 4782 Connecting Bus · 782 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 11:40 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 49h49 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
| 5619 Connecting Bus · 719 Gold Runner · 3819 Connecting Bus · 14 Coast Starlight | 12:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 74h45 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4 transfers | |
| 5619 Connecting Bus · 4 Southwest Chief | 12:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 49h29 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| 14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder | 12:15 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 74h30 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| 782 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 12:29 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 49h00 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| 782 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 12:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 48h44 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| 11 Coast Starlight · 422 Texas Eagle | 6:19 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 65h30 | 1:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| 4785 Connecting Bus · 6 California Zephyr | 10:05 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 62h34 | 2:39 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
Complete guide to Chicago, IL
Things to do in Chicago, IL
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
- Must visit
Museum of Science and Industry
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
- Must visit
Magnificent Mile
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-Dish Pizza
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.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
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 Sandwich
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Johnnie's Beef
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Superdawg Drive-In
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
Alinea
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
US dollar ($)
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
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.
The first train from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 8:31 AM.
The distance by train from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL is 1803 miles (2903 km).
The last train from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 10:20 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL.
The train station in Santa Barbara, CA that goes to Chicago, IL is Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The train journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL is quite scenic, offering picturesque views of the Pacific coastline, sweeping landscapes of the American Southwest, and the diverse terrains of the Midwest, making it a visually pleasing experience for travelers.
No, you cannot take the train from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL.
Popular day trips by train from Chicago, IL include Milwaukee, WI, South Bend, IN, New Buffalo, MI, Racine, WI, Elkhart, IN.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
Most Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL trains use the Santa Barbara Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Santa Barbara
Arrival train stations in Chicago
Which Santa Barbara, CA station do trains to Chicago, IL leave from?
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL leave from Santa Barbara Station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Santa Barbara, CA city centre at 209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA.
Santa Barbara Station209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min
Santa Barbara Station train station facilities and services
Santa Barbara Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains from Santa Barbara, CA arrive at?
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL arrive at Union Station. Union Station is 1 miles (3 km) from Chicago, IL city centre.
Union Station225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus28, 151 · 7m · $4 · every ~13 min
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Most popular train connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular train connections to Chicago, IL
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