How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Oakland?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Oakland start from R 2 104. The average price for this train route is around R 3 889. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Oakland?

The average train journey time from Chicago to Oakland is 2d 11h, covering a distance of 2972 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?

Several major train operators run on 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 07:40. And the latest train departs at 15:05.

Train Chicago to Oakland from R 2 013 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 13 January
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 14 January
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 15 January
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 16 January
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	16:54	Emeryville Station	Cheapest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	Fastest
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 9h	21:31	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 17 January
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 18 January
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Oakland on 19 January
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	CheapestFastest
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 4h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 11h	16:57	Emeryville Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 3:58 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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 R 3 808, 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 priceR 3 808 - R 9 270	Average duration2d 9h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 2 104 - R 55 367	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

4/55 727 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5727 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 Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at R 2 104

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 timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ 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 from R 2 104. The average price for this train route is around R 3 889. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Oakland?
The average train journey time from Chicago to Oakland is 2d 11h, covering a distance of 2972 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Oakland route?
Several major train operators run on 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 07:40. And the latest train departs at 15:05.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

09/01

R 6 393

10/01

R 6 359

Today

R 4 262

12/01

R 4 262

13/01

R 3 552

14/01

R 4 262

15/01

R 4 262

16/01

R 4 973

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Oakland was searched and found on 13 Jan 2026 with a price of R 3 552

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 R 3 552 to R 55 708 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 R 3 552, which is on 2026-01-13.