Cheap train tickets from Bakersfield to Chicago
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Bakersfield to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Bakersfield to Chicago?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Bakersfield to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 1,018.56 | Avg. PriceRON 1,446.39 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration2d 5h 33m | Duration2d 11h 36m |
Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Bakersfield and Chicago. The average train journey from Bakersfield to Chicago takes 59 hours and 33 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 43 hours and 22 minutes.
| Distance | 1742 mi (2804 km) |
| Fastest train | 43h 22m |
| Lowest price | RON 766.19 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Chicago?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Bakersfield and Chicago cost RON 1,251.93, on average. Due to the distance between Bakersfield and Chicago, train tickets on this route tend to be relatively pricey. Booking your trip at least 26 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around RON 460.19 more.
Average train ticket prices from Bakersfield to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Bakersfield to Chicago will cost between RON 916 and RON 1,828. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Bakersfield to Chicago by month
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Bakersfield to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 26 days in advance. That way, you’ll save RON 460.19 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Bakersfield to Chicago?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Bakersfield to Chicago. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 2d 11h 33m | RON 1,390.19 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, 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 4 Amtrak trains from Bakersfield to Chicago every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 766.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Bakersfield to Chicago
The distance between Bakersfield and Chicago is approximately 1742 miles, or 2804 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 59 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 43 hours and 22 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.
Trains departing from Bakersfield to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Bakersfield at 12:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
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 carry-on 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 Bakersfield.
City Information
Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California, is just north of LA on the Kern River. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, one of the city’s biggest attractions, displays fossils, dinosaur models, Native American artifacts, and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bakersfield Museum of Art features multiple rotating galleries of modern and historical art.
As the sun sets in Bakersfield, locals and visitors alike flock to Buck Owens Crystal Palace for food, drinks, and the biggest live music venue in the area. The Belvedere Cocktail lounge offers a more intimate live music experience– plus some amazing drinks and arcade games. For a truly unique experience, check out the family-friendly Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, boo, and get in on the fun of the live performances.
On the quieter side, Bakersfield has a number of beautiful parks across the city. The Park at RiverWalk is a fan favorite, with 32 sprawling acres along the Kern River dotted with picnic areas, public grills, and fishing spots. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area provides more outdoor activities with swimming, boating, sailing, cycling, and more.
To get to Bakersfield, fly into the Meadows Field Airport just north of the town. Several bus lines also service the area, connecting the city to Phoenix, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Ontario. For train service, Amtrak offers routes to San Diego, San Francisco, and even New York City.
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 neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, 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 Bakersfield?
Main departure station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
There is one train station in Bakersfield.
All train stations in Bakersfield:
601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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
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