Cheap train tickets from San Antonio to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from San Antonio to Chicago. Travelling by train from San Antonio to Chicago usually takes 1 day, 11 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Texas Eagle train can make the trip in 1 day, 7 hours and 1 minute.
- Distance
- 1053 mi (1694 km)
- Fastest train
- 31h 1m
- Lowest price
- US$145.00
- Trains per day
- 6
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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San Antonio to Chicago Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from San Antonio to Chicago?
There are usually 23 daily coach trips from San Antonio to Chicago.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$299.35 | Avg. PriceUS$213.59Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips23 |
Duration | Duration35h 24m | Duration33h 1mFaster |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Antonio to Chicago (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from San Antonio to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Antonio to Chicago?
In the last month, train tickets from San Antonio to Chicago cost about US$190 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$185.95 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Antonio to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Antonio to Chicago will cost between US$176 and US$518. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Antonio to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Antonio to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$212. If you're thinking of travelling from San Antonio to Chicago during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$312 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Antonio to Chicago on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about US$185.95 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Antonio to Chicago?
2 train services operate from San Antonio to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 36h 56m | US$271.48 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 31h 4m | US$379.08 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 5 Amtrak trains from San Antonio to Chicago every day, as well as 5 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$163.










Amtrak Texas Eagle is a train service operated by Amtrak that connects to Texas. It links Chicago with the heart of the Lone Star State in San Antonio, going to cities such as St. Louis and Dallas. Onboard amenities include toilets, power sockets, complimentary WiFi, and a designated restaurant car with full meals.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Antonio to Chicago
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Antonio 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from San Antonio to Chicago. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to San Antonio. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from San Antonio to Chicago for US$109.
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
The distance between San Antonio and Chicago is approximately 1,053 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 11 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 7 hours and 1 minute. 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)
1053
Distance (km)
1694
The earliest train departs San Antonio at 6:48 while the last train of the day leaves at 6:48. 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
6:48am
Last train
6:48am
Trains from San Antonio to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
San Antonio



San Antonio is a fast-growing city located in the southwest corner of the Texas Triangle. In addition to the alluring year-round warm weather, San Antonio offers a blend of rich history with contemporary attractions and cuisine.
If there's one thing to remember from your trip to San Antonio, it’s the Alamo! This 18th century fortress is one of five Spanish missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, all of which are connected by a scenic hiking and biking trail. If history isn't your thing, the River Walk along the San Antonio River is a much livelier spot. This shaded path is lined with shops and restaurants, and you could spend an entire day strolling, shopping, and eating along the river. Don't sleep on the riverside bars, either – San Antonio is one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S. so you can bar-hop to your heart’s (and your wallet’s) delight.
Travelling with little ones? San Antonio is home to the San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, any one of which will provide a thrilling adventure with no screen time required. Visitors of all ages will find treasures at Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the U.S., where handcrafted art from local artisans is available alongside authentic Mexican food.
San Antonio is one of the biggest cities in the Lone Star State, so it is very easy to travel to other Texas destinations like Austin, Houston, and Dallas by coach or by train, or to destinations farther afield through the San Antonio International Airport.
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 San Antonio?
Main departure station: 350 Hoefgen St

The San Antonio Amtrak Station is adjacent to the city’s vibrant downtown, nestled between the Alamodome sports complex and the historic Sunset Station where train service began in 1902. Amtrak operations moved to its new home at 350 Hoefgen Ave in 1998, where passengers can board the Texas Eagle to travel to Chicago, or connect to the Sunset Limited heading to Los Angeles. The stuccoed, Spanish Mission Revival style station is fully accessible, and offers comfortable seating as well as toilets available in the waiting room. Two of San Antonio’s most popular attractions, the bustling Riverwalk and the historic Alamo, cannot be missed and luckily are within just 1 mile of the station.
All train stations in San Antonio:
- 350 Hoefgen St
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
Need a return trip from Chicago to San Antonio?
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