How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Oakland?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start at $178. The average price for this train route is around $328. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Chicago to Oakland?

The average train trip from Chicago to Oakland takes 2d 11h and covers 2972 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 10 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Oakland?

The earliest train from Chicago to Oakland departs at 7:40am. The latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Train Chicago to Oakland from $170 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on January 12
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on January 13
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on January 14
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on January 15
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on January 16
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	4:54pm	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	Fastest
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	9:31pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on January 17
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on January 18
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Oakland on January 19
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	4:57pm	Emeryville Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 12:36 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Oakland

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Oakland. The journey takes about 2 days, 9 hours 25 minutes, and with fares starting at just $322, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

12bus per day

2d 9hAverage Duration

2973 kmDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$322 - $782	Average Duration2d 9h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$178 - $4,669	Average Duration2d 11h	CO₂ emissions 270kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Chicago and Oakland?

Chicago

A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Map

Oakland

A
Emeryville Station
5885 Horton St, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
Visit page Map

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,726 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5726 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $178

US train companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Oakland by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Oakland?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start at $178. The average price for this train route is around $328. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Chicago to Oakland?
The average train trip from Chicago to Oakland takes 2d 11h and covers 2972 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 10 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Oakland?
The earliest train from Chicago to Oakland departs at 7:40am. The latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

01-09

$540

01-10

$537

Today

$360

01-12

$360

01-13

$300

01-14

$360

01-15

$360

01-16

$420

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Oakland was searched and found on Jan 13, 2026 with a price of $300

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to Oakland, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $300 to $4,698 for a train ticket from Chicago to Oakland based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $300 which is on 2026-01-13.