Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Santa Ana
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Santa Ana. Travelling by train from Chicago to Santa Ana usually takes 2 days, 12 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day, 23 hours and 30 minutes.
- Distance
- 1733 mi (2789 km)
- Fastest train
- 47h 30m
- Lowest price
- £141.57
- Trains per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Chicago to Santa Ana Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to Santa Ana?
There are usually 3 daily coach trips from Chicago to Santa Ana.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price£237.26 | Avg. Price£184.02Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration60h 29m | Duration53h 47mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Santa Ana:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Santa Ana?
In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Santa Ana cost about £198 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Chicago and Santa Ana, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £80.42 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Santa Ana by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Santa Ana will cost between £131 and £291. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Santa Ana by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Santa Ana 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 £187. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Santa Ana during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £262 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 Santa Ana on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about £80.42 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Santa Ana?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Santa Ana. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 60h 29m | £237.26 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Santa Ana every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from £141.57.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to Santa Ana
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Santa Ana. 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 3 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 Santa Ana to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Chicago to Santa Ana for £136.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
0
The distance between Chicago and Santa Ana is approximately 1,733 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 12 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 23 hours and 30 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)
1733
Distance (km)
2789
The earliest train departs Chicago at 13:30 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:10. 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
2:10pm
Trains from Chicago to Santa Ana are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Sunday
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.
Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a sunny city in Orange County located between Anaheim and Irvine in the greater Los Angeles area. Downtown Santa Ana bustles with independent breweries, diverse restaurants, unique retail shops, weekly pop-up markets, and art centres. This lively downtown area, in addition to Santa Ana's live-work housing and creative working spaces, make it attractive to young professionals.
One of the most popular spots for visitors is the Santa Ana Zoo, where little ones can enjoy a carousel and mini-train ride along with the animal exhibits. Architecture enthusiasts will love seeing the Bowers Museum, built in a Mission Revival style, and the Heritage Museum, which has restored homes from the 1890s.
The Orange County Transportation Authority and several shuttle services provide transit within Santa Ana. Santa Ana is easily accessible from over 20 other cities by Amtrak Thruway coach or on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train. The primary airport for Orange County, John Wayne Airport, is located in Santa Ana and also makes it easy to travel to this vibrant SoCal spot.
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 Santa Ana?
Main arrival station: Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
Santa Ana has one train station.
Train stations in Santa Ana:
- Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
Need a return trip from Santa Ana to Chicago?
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