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Cheap train tickets from Oakland to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Oakland to Chicago. Travelling by train from Oakland to Chicago usually takes 2 days, 13 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 4 hours and 51 minutes.
- Distance
- 1846 mi (2972 km)
- Fastest train
- 52h 51m
- Lowest price
- £118.14
- Trains per day
- 4
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Oakland to Chicago Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Oakland to Chicago?
There is usually 1 daily coach trip from Oakland to Chicago.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price£272.98 | Avg. Price£198.08Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration61h 3mFaster | Duration61h 33m |
There are several train options that can take you from Oakland to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Oakland to Chicago?
In the last month, train tickets from Oakland to Chicago cost about £193 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Oakland and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £174.04 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Oakland to Chicago will cost between £169 and £352. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Oakland to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only £210. If you're thinking of travelling from Oakland to Chicago during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £363 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 Oakland to Chicago on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about £174.04 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Oakland to Chicago?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Oakland to Chicago. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 61h 3m | £272.98 |
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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 4 Amtrak trains from Oakland to Chicago every day, as well as 4 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from £118.14.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Oakland to Chicago
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Oakland to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach 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.
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your hand luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Oakland. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Oakland to Chicago for £117.
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
0
The distance between Oakland and Chicago is approximately 1,846 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 13 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 4 hours and 51 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
1846
Distance (km)
2972
The earliest train departs Oakland at 4:35 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:25. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
4:35am
Last train
10:25pm
Trains from Oakland 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Wednesday
Least crowded
Saturday
City Information
Oakland
Oakland, CA is a port city that is beginning to step out of the shadow of San Francisco, its neighbour to the west. Every visitor should start their Oakland trip in the downtown area and Old Oakland, the city's historic quarter full of quaint old buildings. While here, don't forget to take a short detour to Oakland's famous Chinatown as well. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland tells the history of Black communities in the area and is definitely worth a stop. For those who would prefer to stay close to nature, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park's abundance of redwood groves will offer amazing views.
Oakland's food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of offerings for all budgets. Enssaro is a popular local name with mid-range dishes that will whet your appetite. For an excellent haute-cuisine dinner, head towards The Wolf.
It's easy to get around the Bay Area on local public transit (called the BART, for Bay Area Rapid Transit). Getting to Oakland from further afield is also a breeze thanks to many intercity coach routes in the area and Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train, which stops in Oakland. Flights arrive at the Oakland International Airport, but several additional airport options in the larger Bay Area are also available.
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 holiday 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 transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Oakland?
Main departure station: 245 Second St
The Jack London Station in Oakland opened in 1995, replacing 16th Street Station, which was extensively damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The station was named after the famous writer Jack London, as he spent much of his life in the area. It is a contemporary glass and stone structure located on the easternmost corner of Jack London Square. The square, which fronts a natural estuary leading to San Francisco Bay, was formerly the hub of Oakland's port activities, connecting the maritime and agricultural sectors. It is still an active and bustling waterfront today. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and Gold Runner trains serve the station. It is the 10th busiest of Amtrak's 74 California stops, boarding or de-boarding an average of 1,142 people per day.
All train stations in Oakland:
- 245 Second St
- Across San Leandro Blvd from BART station - 700 73rd Ave
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 coach 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.
Train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Oakland?
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