Cheap train tickets from Modesto to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Modesto to Chicago. Travelling by train from Modesto to Chicago usually takes 2 days, 13 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 4 hours and 9 minutes.
- Distance
- 1785 mi (2872 km)
- Fastest train
- 52h 9m
- Lowest price
- £279.37
- Trains per day
- 4
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Modesto to Chicago Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Modesto to Chicago?
There are usually 3 daily coach trips from Modesto to Chicago.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price£331.38 | Avg. Price£177.34Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration61h 47m | Duration54h 1mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Modesto to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Modesto to Chicago?
In the last month, train tickets from Modesto to Chicago cost about £296 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Modesto and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 3 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £65.88 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Modesto to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Modesto to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only £256. If you're thinking of travelling from Modesto to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £364 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 Modesto to Chicago on Wanderu at least 3 days ahead of time, you can save about £65.88 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Modesto to Chicago?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Modesto to Chicago. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 61h 47m | £331.38 |
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Modesto to Chicago
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Modesto to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach 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 4 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 hand luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Modesto to Chicago for £114.
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
0
The distance between Modesto and Chicago is approximately 1,785 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 13 hours and 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 4 hours and 9 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
1785
Distance (km)
2872
The earliest train departs Modesto at 8:35 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:46. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
8:35am
Last train
7:46pm
Trains from Modesto to Chicago are the most crowded on Friday. 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 travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Modesto

Modesto is a city in Central Valley, California. The city is known for its large agricultural industry and number of museums. Modesto is home to museums, natural history sites, and planetariums, like the Great Valley Museum and McHenry Museum. It also has different amusement and recreational centres offering playgrounds, rides, go-cart, and more, like Funworks Modesto and Graceada Park. As for nature lovers, Modesto features places for sports, hiking, camping, fishing, and picnics, like Jacob Myers Park and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. The city is also a fun place for arts with the Graffiti Summer and the Gallo Center for the Arts.
The CA city is ideal for all craft beer and wine lovers, as it has several breweries and wineries to visit. Modesto also has a vibrant nightlife, with different nightclubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, and is always brimming with pool parties, trance festivals, DJ nights, and more. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant place for shopping, dining, and parties.
Modesto features several train and coach lines for those in and around the city. The city is easily accessible by Amtrak and Amtrak Gold Runner for trains, while Tufesa Plus offers coach services. The City of Modesto Transit Services powers the city's transport.
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 holiday 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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Modesto?
Main departure station: 1700 Held Dr
There is one train station in Modesto.
All train stations in Modesto:
- 1700 Held Dr
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Main arrival 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 coach 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.
Train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Plan your next adventure
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