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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to San Jose
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to San Jose. Travelling by train from Chicago to San Jose usually takes 2 days, 22 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 8 hours and 10 minutes.
- Distance
- 1838 mi (2958 km)
- Fastest train
- 56h 10m
- Lowest price
- £146.76
- Trains per day
- 4
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Chicago to San Jose Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to San Jose?
There are usually 4 daily coach trips from Chicago to San Jose.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price£328.30 | Avg. Price£208.36Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration70h 8m | Duration58h 6mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to San Jose:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to San Jose?
In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to San Jose cost about £264 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Chicago and San Jose, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £164.06 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to San Jose by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to San Jose will cost between £233 and £614. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to San Jose by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only £268. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to San Jose during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £386 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 Chicago to San Jose on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about £164.06 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to San Jose?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to San Jose. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 70h 8m | £328.30 |
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 Chicago to San Jose every day, as well as 4 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from £146.76.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to San Jose
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to San Jose. 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 San Jose to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Chicago to San Jose for £144.
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
0
The distance between Chicago and San Jose is approximately 1,838 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 22 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 8 hours and 10 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)
1838
Distance (km)
2958
The earliest train departs Chicago at 13:30 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:05. 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
1:30pm
Last train
3:05pm
Trains from Chicago to San Jose are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
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.
San Jose
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial centre.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various coach carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Main departure 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.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Main arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transport system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for coach transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound coaches. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travellers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
Train stations in San Jose:
- Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Need a return trip from San Jose to Chicago?
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