Cheap train tickets from Chicago to San Diego

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to San Diego. Traveling by train from Chicago to San Diego usually takes 2 days, 9 hours, and 39 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 1 hour, and 22 minutes.

Distance: 1732 mi (2787 km)
Fastest train: 49h 22m
Lowest price: CHF 154.95
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Chicago to San Diego Train Schedule

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

There are usually 16 daily bus trips available from Chicago to San Diego.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 287.91	Avg. PriceCHF 213.83Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips16
Duration	Duration57h 39mFaster	Duration58h 2m

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to San Diego (Based on 1 rating and review)

4.0

Alicia

July 6, 2021 - Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Staff very pleasant, helpful and friendly. We loved Zenora Hicks, sleeper Coach. She was very friendly and happy and helpful. Route 21Texas Eagle Cons: Food expensive and terrible. Bathroom could be cleaned more often. High use. Tips: For long trips; take some food and drinks, Take small pillow and light blanket for sleeping confort. Wash cloth.

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

Amtrak tickets: CHF 155 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to San Diego cost about CHF 264 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Chicago and San Diego, 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 CHF 50.99 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to San Diego by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to San Diego will cost between CHF 210 and CHF 397. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to San Diego by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to San Diego 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 CHF 225. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to San Diego during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 296 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to San Diego on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 50.99 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to San Diego?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	57h 39m	CHF 287.90

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 San Diego every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 154.95.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to San Diego

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to San Diego. 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.

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 San Diego to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to San Diego for CHF 113.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and San Diego is approximately 1,732 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 9 hours, and 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 1 hour, 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.

Distance (mi)

1732

Distance (km)

2787

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

1:30pm

Last train

2:10pm

Trains from Chicago to San Diego 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Saturday

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.

San Diego

San Diego is known as “America's Finest City” for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.

Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.

Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

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 San Diego?

Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot

San Diego, CA - Santa Fe Depot (1050 Kettner Blvd) - SANAMT2-0

The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city.

All train stations in San Diego:

Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
4005 Taylor St

Need a return trip from San Diego to Chicago?

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