4.0
Cons: Advertised WiFi but no internet connection. Tips: Be prepared for no WiFi on board!
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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Albuquerque to Chicago. Traveling by train from Albuquerque to Chicago usually takes around 27 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 26 hours and 9 minutes.
| Distance | 1125 mi (1811 km) |
| Fastest train | 26h 9m |
| Lowest price | £116.67 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Albuquerque to Chicago
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Albuquerque to Chicago?
In the last month, £121.20 was the average price of a train ticket from Albuquerque to Chicago. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 20 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £64.34 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Albuquerque to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between £121 and £135 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Albuquerque is £121.
Monthly average prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Albuquerque to Chicago, with the average price at just £135. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in August, when the average price goes up to £279. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Albuquerque to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 20 days in advance. That way, you’ll save £64.34 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Albuquerque to Chicago?
2 train services operate from Albuquerque to Chicago. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 4h 27m | £134.85 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 1d 2h 9m | £148.25 |
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 Albuquerque to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £117.
The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Albuquerque to Chicago in about 26 hours and 9 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Albuquerque to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus 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.
The distance between Albuquerque and Chicago is approximately 1125 miles, or 1811 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 27 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 26 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 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.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Albuquerque to Chicago. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Albuquerque at 09:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Albuquerque twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Chicago faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Albuquerque.
City Information
Albuquerque
A city rich in history and culture, Albuquerque offers an exciting mix of Hispanic and Native American cultural elements. The city’s main attraction is the Old Town quarter, which has been around for over 300 years. Featuring quaint cobblestone streets and brightly colored adobe huts, the quarter is a perfect blend of the two cultures, making it a rare sight in the U.S. The quarter also houses the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city. Nature lovers will find the ABQ BioPark a pleasant surprise. Featuring an aquarium, a beach, a zoo, and a botanical garden, the park offers enough fun for the whole day. If you wish to learn more about the local Native American heritage, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the place to visit.
The Albuquerque food scene is among the most vibrant around. The state’s staple dishes are strong and spicy with a very distinctive New Mexican vibe. The best place to check out these dishes is at High Noon Restaurant and Saloon, a local favorite. Don’t forget to try out the city’s unique wine scene as well, and if you wish to sample different varieties, the Albuquerque Wine Festival is a great chance to do so.
The Alvarado Transportation Center is the busiest bus and train station in the city. Bus service by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines will take you from Albuquerque to various cities such as Phoenix, Dallas or even Chicago. For trains, the local Amtrak lines can take you to Denver, Santa Fe, Salt Lake City and beyond. The main airport of the city is the Albuquerque International Airport, 3 miles southeast of the central business district.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Albuquerque?
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Image credit: Karen Blaha
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Image credit: LHOON
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW
Located in a busy area in Downtown Albuquerque, Alvarado Transportation Center is a multi-modal transportation center that serves intercity buses and trains. The station is currently situated on the site of the fabled Alvarado Hotel, once a luxury railroad hotel for early 20th century travelers. Maintaining the Mission Revival style of the now-demolished hotel, the Alvarado Transportation Center features arched entryways and a large clocktower that welcomes current passengers. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line stops in Albuquerque along its Los Angeles to Chicago route, and Jefferson Lines and Greyhound operate bus service through the station as well. From the station’s downtown location, you can connect with local public transit to access the rest of the city.
All train stations in Albuquerque:
Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
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Main arrival 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.
Train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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