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Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA Train

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06/13/2026
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Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA by train

The journey from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA by train is 1,731.9 mi and takes 54 hr 14 min. There are 3 connections per day, with the first departure at 2:00 PM and the last at 2:25 PM. It is possible to travel from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA by train for as little as $392.43 or as much as $447.51. The best price for this journey is $392.43.

Lowest Price $392.43
Journey Duration 54 hr 14 min
Connection per Day 3
Lowest Price $392.43
Highest Price $447.51
First Departure 2:00 PM
Last Departure 2:25 PM
Distance 1,731.9 mi
Departure Chicago, IL
Arrival San Diego, CA
Carriers Amtrak

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Find the best day to travel to San Diego, CA by train

When travelling to San Diego, CA by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
Compare services on board when travelling from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
195.11kg
Bus
209.04kg
Flight
557.44kg
Car
445.95kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA are 195.11kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA? By taking the train between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA you will save 362.33kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 13.93kg compared to a bus and 250.84kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA?
A train ticket from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA is $410.79. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $392.43.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA is $392.43. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA by train?
Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA is 1,731.9 mi.
How long does the train between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA take?
Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA is on average 54 hr 14 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 48 hr 27 min.
How many train connections per day go from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA?
Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA has 3 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA leave?
The earliest train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA departs at 2:00 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA depart?
The latest train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA departs at 2:25 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $392.43 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
What's the fastest journey time between Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA is 48 hr 27 min.
Is there a direct train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA?
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA.
What are the CO2 emissions for Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA by train?
The train journey from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA creates 195.11kg of CO2 emissions.

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