Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Modesto
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Modesto. Travelling by train from Chicago to Modesto usually takes 2 days, 17 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 7 hours and 59 minutes.
- Distance
- 1785 mi (2872 km)
- Fastest train
- 55h 59m
- Lowest price
- NOK 2,681.95
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Chicago to Modesto Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to Modesto?
There are usually 4 daily coach trips from Chicago to Modesto.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceNOK 2,884.99 | Avg. PriceNOK 2,317.06Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration65h 15m | Duration58h 13mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Modesto:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Modesto?
In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Modesto cost about NOK 2,682 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Chicago and Modesto, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 270.75 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Modesto by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Modesto will cost between NOK 2,682 and NOK 2,956. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Modesto by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Modesto often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only NOK 2,899. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Modesto during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 4,250 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 Modesto on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 270.75 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Modesto?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Modesto. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 65h 16m | NOK 2,884.99 |
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to Modesto
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Modesto. 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.
Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 hand luggage with you when you change 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 Modesto to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Chicago to Modesto for NOK 1,520.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Chicago and Modesto is approximately 1,785 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 17 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 7 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 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 Chicago at 14:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:10. 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
2:00pm
Last train
2:10pm
Trains from Chicago to Modesto 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 travelling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Monday
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 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.
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.
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 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.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Where is the train station in Modesto?
Main arrival station: 1700 Held Dr
Modesto has one train station.
Train stations in Modesto:
- 1700 Held Dr
Need a return trip from Modesto to Chicago?
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