Train from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from San Diego to Chicago on 31 January
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Amtrak
Old Town San Diego
Chicago (Union Station), ILCheapestFastest
Amtrak
Old Town San Diego
Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags
Amtrak
Old Town San Diego
Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags
Amtrak
Old Town San Diego
Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags
Amtrak
Old Town San Diego
Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 6:09 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from San Diego to Chicago

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 1 day, 22 hours 41 minutes and with fares starting at just R 3 022, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day
1d 22hAverage duration
2787 kmDistance
254kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 2 129 - R 9 926Average duration2d 6h
69kg CO₂e
Average priceR 3 022 - R 20 932Average duration1d 22h
254kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago by train

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

  1. How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Chicago?

    The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chicago start from R 3 022. The average price for this train route is around R 3 545. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from San Diego to Chicago?

    The average train journey time from San Diego to Chicago is 1d 22h, covering a distance of 2787 km. The quickest train can get you there in 1d 22h and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which train operators serve the San Diego to Chicago route?

    Several major train operators run on this route, with 2 trains available per day.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from San Diego to Chicago?

    The earliest train from San Diego to Chicago departs at 14:01. And the latest train departs at 16:10.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
28/01
R 5 443
29/01
R 5 443
Today
R 4 644
31/01
R 4 644
01/02
R 4 025
02/02
R 3 960
03/02
R 4 644
04/02
R 4 025
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago was searched and found on 02 Feb 2026 with a price of R 3 960

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

You can expect to pay from R 3 960 to R 34 740 for a train ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 3 960, which is on 2026-02-02.

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