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Cheap train tickets from Santa Ana to Chicago

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Santa Ana to Chicago. Traveling by train from Santa Ana to Chicago usually takes 2 days, 9 hours, and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day, 20 hours, and 40 minutes.

Distance
1733 mi (2789 km)
Fastest train
44h 40m
Lowest price
RON 781.13
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Santa Ana to Chicago Train Schedule

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There are several train options that can take you from Santa Ana to Chicago:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Ana to Chicago?

In the last month, train tickets from Santa Ana to Chicago cost about RON 1,102 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Santa Ana 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 RON 1,159.71 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Ana to Chicago by travel date

RON 1,650RON 1,100RON 550NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Santa Ana to Chicago will cost between RON 781 and RON 1,639. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Ana to Chicago by month

RON 1,725RON 1,380RON 1,035RON 690RON 345JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Santa Ana 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 RON 1,318. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Ana to Chicago during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 1,720 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

RON 2,275RON 1,820RON 1,365RON 910RON 4550

By booking your train trip from Santa Ana to Chicago on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 1,159.71 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Santa Ana to Chicago?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak257h 30mRON 1,621.41

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Ana to Chicago

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

0

The distance between Santa Ana and Chicago is approximately 1,733 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 9 hours, and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 20 hours, and 40 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)

1733

Distance (km)

2789

The earliest train departs Santa Ana at 4:04 PM while the last train of the day leaves at 6:04 PM. 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

4:04pm

Last train

6:04pm

Trains from Santa Ana 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 traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Santa Ana

Santa Ana, CA, US - SNA-0

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 centers. 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 bus 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.

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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 Santa Ana?

Main departure station: Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd

There is one train station in Santa Ana.

All train stations in Santa Ana:

  • Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0CHIUST-2

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 Santa Ana?

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