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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Chicago to Ventura per day. The average train journey from Chicago to Ventura takes 46 hours and 16 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 1786 mi (2874 km) |
| Fastest train | 46h 16m |
| Lowest price | $185.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Chicago to Ventura?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Ventura. 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 | 1d 22h 16m | $185.00 |
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 Ventura every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $185.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Chicago and Ventura is approximately 1786 miles, or 2874 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 46 hours and 16 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 Chicago to Ventura tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. 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 Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 2:00pm and arrives in Ventura around 46 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 Ventura 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.
Ventura
Image credit: Unsplash
Ventura is a beach town near LA, located on the Central Coast of California. It is known for its different beaches, like the San Buenaventura State Beach, which features the wooden Ventura Pier. Ventura is known as one of the best surf towns in America, with scenic coasts and impressive waves. Surfer's Point is the town's most popular spot for surfing and windsurfing. One of the popular tourist locations in the city is Channel Islands National Park, which is a habitat for rare island foxes and scrub jays, and can be accessed by boat from the Ventura Harbor. Explore Main Street in Downtown Ventura for more landmarks and historical sites.
Ventura has a lively art scene, with different galleries and museums in the downtown area. Enjoy entertaining theatre at the Rubicon Theatre Company, or go on short-day cruises with friends and family. The city also offers an eclectic food scene with Polynesian and Nepalese restaurants and wineries that will surprise you. Its nightlife consists of bars, lounges, breweries, comedy clubs, and taprooms, like The Tavern, all littered in Downtown Ventura.
Ventura is easily accessible from other cities by train routes provided by Amtrak and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and bus lines by FlixBus US and Amtrak Thruway. The Ventura County Transportation Commission provides commuter bus routes throughout the city.
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 Ventura?
Main arrival station: Ventura Transit Station Bus Stops
Ventura has one train station.
All train stations in Ventura:
Ventura Transit Station Bus Stops
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Need a return trip from Ventura to Chicago?
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