Cheap train tickets from San Marcos 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 Marcos to Chicago. Travelling by train from San Marcos to Chicago usually takes 1 day, 9 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Texas Eagle train can make the trip in 1 day, 5 hours and 27 minutes.
- Distance
- 1008 mi (1623 km)
- Fastest train
- 29h 27m
- Lowest price
- £122.02
- Trains per day
- 6
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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San Marcos to Chicago Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from San Marcos to Chicago?
There are usually 7 daily coach trips from San Marcos to Chicago.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price£200.82 | Avg. Price£138.72Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips7 |
Duration | Duration33h 58m | Duration31h 20mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from San Marcos to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Marcos to Chicago?
In the last month, train tickets from San Marcos to Chicago cost about £154 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between San Marcos and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £210.44 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Marcos to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Marcos to Chicago will cost between £134 and £234. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Marcos to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Marcos 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 £164. If you're thinking of travelling from San Marcos to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £275 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Marcos to Chicago on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about £210.44 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Marcos to Chicago?
2 train services operate from San Marcos to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 35h 27m | £189.76 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 29h 29m | £233.97 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from San Marcos to Chicago every day, as well as 5 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from £122.02.










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 Marcos to Chicago
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Marcos 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 Marcos 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 Marcos. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from San Marcos to Chicago for £90.
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
The distance between San Marcos and Chicago is approximately 1,008 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 9 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 5 hours and 27 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)
1008
Distance (km)
1623
The earliest train departs San Marcos at 8:22 while the last train of the day leaves at 8:22. 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
8:22am
Last train
8:22am
Trains from San Marcos to Chicago 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Marcos?
Main departure station: 338 S Guadalupe St - San Marcos Intermodal Station
There is one train station in San Marcos.
All train stations in San Marcos:
- 338 S Guadalupe St - San Marcos Intermodal Station
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 Marcos?
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