How much is the train ticket from Oakland to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Oakland to Chicago start from $125. The average price for this train route is around $267. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Oakland to Chicago?

The average train ride duration from Oakland to Chicago is 2d 5h, covering a distance of 1842 miles (2971 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the Oakland to Chicago route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 8 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Oakland to Chicago?

The earliest train departs from Oakland to Chicago at 7:12am. And the latest train departs at 9:41pm.

Train Oakland to Chicago from $119 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on December 28
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:18am	Jack London Square	3d 1h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
10:28am	Emeryville Station	3d 1h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
9:09am	Jack London Square	3d 2h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
8:39am	Emeryville Station	3d 3h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on December 29
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
8:15am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:55am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
8:15am	Emeryville Station	2d 11h	9:51pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on December 30
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:41pm	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
8:15am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:55am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on December 31
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:18am	Jack London Square	3d 1h	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
8:15am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
7:20am	Coliseum/Airport	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:35am	Jack London Square	2d 5h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:55am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on January 1
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:41pm	Emeryville Station	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
8:15am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
7:48am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:55am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
9:21pm	Jack London Square	2d 17h	4:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on January 2
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
8:15am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
7:48am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:48am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:55am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:55am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Oakland to Chicago on January 3
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
8:15am	Emeryville Station	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
7:48am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:48am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:55am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
7:55am	Jack London Square	2d 4h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Tuesday at 6:06 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Oakland to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 14 hours 40 minutes and with fares starting at just $222, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

14bus per day

2d 14hAverage Duration

1843 milesDistance

74kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$222 - $595	Average Duration2d 14h	CO₂ emissions 74kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$125 - $2,288	Average Duration2d 5h	CO₂ emissions 270kg CO₂e

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

Oakland

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

Chicago

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

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,681 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5681 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $125

Amtrak Oakland Chicago recent customer reviews

Wish I could go first class I know they had a ball super comfortable and an overall decent ride definitely bringing the kids next time

Yesenia C.

April 1, 2024

Train and bus companies in US:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Oakland to Chicago 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 Oakland to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Oakland to Chicago start from $125. The average price for this train route is around $267. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Oakland to Chicago?
The average train ride duration from Oakland to Chicago is 2d 5h, covering a distance of 1842 miles (2971 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 4h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Oakland to Chicago route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 8 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Oakland to Chicago?
The earliest train departs from Oakland to Chicago at 7:12am. And the latest train departs at 9:41pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12/25

$2,619

12/26

$1,478

Today

$391

12/28

$1,718

12/29

$1,613

12/30

$503

12/31

$525

The cheapest trip from Oakland to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 27, 2025 with a price of $391

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

You can expect to pay from $391 to $2,656 for a train ticket from Oakland to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $503 which is on 2025-12-30.