Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Chicago

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Diego to Chicago. Travelling by train from San Diego to Chicago usually takes 2 days, 11 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day, 22 hours and 34 minutes.

Distance: 1732 mi (2787 km)
Fastest train: 46h 34m
Lowest price: CHF 178.72
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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San Diego to Chicago Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Diego to Chicago?

There are usually 20 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Chicago.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 280.39	Avg. PriceCHF 219.30Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips2	Daily Trips20
Duration	Duration59h 40mFaster	Duration62h 25m

There are several train options that can take you from San Diego to Chicago:

Amtrak tickets: CHF 179 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Chicago?

In the last month, train tickets from San Diego to Chicago cost about CHF 192 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between San Diego and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 160.47 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Chicago by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Diego to Chicago will cost between CHF 162 and CHF 353. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Chicago by month

Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only CHF 242. If you're thinking of travelling from San Diego to Chicago during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 315 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from San Diego to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 160.47 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from San Diego to Chicago?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Chicago. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	59h 40m	CHF 280.39

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned washroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Chicago every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 178.72.

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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Diego to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

Trains leave the station in San Diego twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to San Diego. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from San Diego to Chicago for CHF 142.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between San Diego and Chicago is approximately 2,787 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 11 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 22 hours and 34 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

1732

Distance (km)

2787

The earliest train departs San Diego at 2:01 p.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 4:10 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

2:01pm

Last train

4:10pm

Trains from San Diego to Chicago are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

San Diego

San Diego is known as “America's Finest City” for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.

Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.

Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Diego?

Main departure station: 4005 Taylor St

There are two stations in San Diego where you can board the train to Chicago.

All train stations in San Diego:

4005 Taylor St
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Union Station

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

Union Station

Need a return trip from Chicago to San Diego?

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