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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Chicago to Santa Clara. The train trip from Chicago to Santa Clara is usually about 59 hours and 28 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 54 hours and 59 minutes.
| Distance | 1841 mi (2963 km) |
| Fastest train | 54h 59m |
| Lowest price | $148.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Santa Clara?
The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to Santa Clara is $177.50, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 1 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $215.00 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Santa Clara on Wanderu at least 1 days ahead of time, you can save about $215.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Santa Clara?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Santa Clara. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 2d 11h 28m | $291.02 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Santa Clara every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $148.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Chicago and Santa Clara is approximately 1841 miles, or 2963 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 59 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 54 hours and 59 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Santa Clara on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 1:00pm and arrives in Santa Clara around 54 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Santa Clara to Chicago.
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.
Santa Clara
Image credit: Unsplash
Santa Clara is a city in the San Francisco Bay Area, home to Santa Clara University, the San Francisco 49ers, and many of Silicon Valley's prominent tech companies. The Intel Museum, at Intel's headquarters, is the perfect place to celebrate technological advances and see exhibits like a giant replica of an Intel computing chip. The Intel Museum is free to visit, as is the Triton Museum of Art, home to contemporary artworks from Bay Area artists.
If you'd rather escape the fast-paced world of tech, the Santa Clara Valley is also home to over 30 wineries that encourage visitors to take it slow and relax a while. Drink in the view as you sip the wines at Kirigin Cellars, one of the oldest wineries in California.
Santa Clara is a fabulous city for a family vacation, too, just maybe without the winery visits. Instead, treat the kids to thrills at California's Great Adventure amusement park and South Bay Shores water park.
Santa Clara is one of the stops on the Capitol Corridor train that runs from San Jose to Sacramento. Amtrak Thruway provides a few bus trips out of Santa Clara, but there are even more options departing from its neighbors, San Jose and San Francisco. The closest major airport to Santa Clara is the San Jose Airport, but it also convenient to fly into San Francisco or Oakland.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Where is the train station in Santa Clara?
Main arrival station: Caltrain ACE station - 1001 Railroad Ave
Santa Clara receives travelers from Chicago at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Santa Clara:
Caltrain ACE station - 1001 Railroad Ave
5099 Stars and Stripes Dr
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