Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Bakersfield

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Bakersfield. Traveling by train from Chicago to Bakersfield usually takes 62 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 50 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance: 1742 mi (2804 km)
Fastest train: 50h 15m
Lowest price: TRY 11,760.99
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Chicago to Bakersfield Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Bakersfield?

There are usually 7 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Bakersfield.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceTRY 13,938.96Cheaper	Avg. PriceTRY 14,779.31
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips7
Duration	Duration62h 23m	Duration55h 5mFaster

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

Amtrak tickets: TRY 11,761 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Bakersfield was TRY 11,760.99. Considering the distance between Chicago and Bakersfield, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 4 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around TRY 4,318.87 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Bakersfield by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Bakersfield will cost between TRY 10,443 and TRY 13,859. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Bakersfield by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Bakersfield 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 TRY 15,128. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Bakersfield during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of TRY 19,716 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 Bakersfield on Wanderu at least 4 days ahead of time, you can save about TRY 4,318.87 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Bakersfield?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Bakersfield. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	62h 23m	TRY 13,938.72

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 3 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Bakersfield every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from TRY 11,760.99.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Bakersfield

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 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 Bakersfield to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Bakersfield for TRY 10,100.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Bakersfield is approximately 1742 miles, or 2804 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 62 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 50 hours and 15 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)

1742

Distance (km)

2804

The earliest train departs Chicago at 1:30pm while the last train of the day leaves at 2:10pm. 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

1:30pm

Last train

2:10pm

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

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Monday

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 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.

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.

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 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

Where is the train station in Bakersfield?

Main arrival station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Bakersfield has one train station.

All train stations in Bakersfield:

601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Need a return trip from Bakersfield to Chicago?

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