Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Flagstaff

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Flagstaff. Traveling by train from Chicago to Flagstaff usually takes 1 day, 11 hours, and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 1 day, 8 hours, and 19 minutes.

Distance: 1372 mi (2208 km)
Fastest train: 32h 19m
Lowest price: SEK 1,453.91
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Flagstaff Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Flagstaff?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Flagstaff.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceSEK 2,519.00	Avg. PriceSEK 2,337.46Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips2	Daily Trips3
Duration	Duration35h 15mFaster	Duration41h 57m

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Flagstaff:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Flagstaff?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Flagstaff was SEK 2,231. Considering the distance between Chicago and Flagstaff, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around SEK 1,119.51 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Flagstaff by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Flagstaff will cost between SEK 1,965 and SEK 3,301. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Flagstaff by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Flagstaff 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 SEK 2,309. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Flagstaff during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of SEK 3,576 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 Chicago to Flagstaff on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about SEK 1,119.51 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Flagstaff?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Flagstaff. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	38h 3m	SEK 2,379.51
Amtrak Southwest Chief	1	32h 21m	SEK 2,663.82

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 is 1 Amtrak train from Chicago to Flagstaff every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from SEK 1,571.80.
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 Chicago to Flagstaff in about 1 day, 8 hours, and 21 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 about traveling by train from Chicago to Flagstaff

Trains leave the station in Chicago 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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Flagstaff for SEK 1,434.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Flagstaff is approximately 1,372 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 11 hours, and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 8 hours, and 19 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.

Distance (mi)

1372

Distance (km)

2208

The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:40 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 1:30 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

7:40am

Last train

1:30pm

Trains from Chicago to Flagstaff are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Thursday

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 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.

Flagstaff

Blessed with plenty of pine forests and amazing sceneries, Flagstaff is more than just a pit stop for travelers who need respite from the scorching desert. We even named it one of the best places to visit in Arizona! The first place every traveler should visit is the Historic Downtown and Railroad District, which was built along the historic Route 66. As you stroll around the quarter, you will catch glimpses of quaint buildings constructed during the early 20th century, giving the area an authentically vintage vibe.

Stargazers should hightail it to the Lowell Observatory, whose telescope provides a breathtaking view of vast and unending space. If you are ready for some hiking, consider spending a day at the Wupatki National Monument. In this natural reserve, tourists can find ruins of indigenous villages and learn about the history of indigenous people in the area.

Budget pizzerias abound in Flagstaff to cater to a student crowd, and one of the best spots around is Oregano's Pizza Bistro. Cottage Place has some of the best offerings in town for a fancier meal and some delicious fillet mignon!

Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops at Flagstaff's train station at 1 East Rte 66. If you're traveling by bus, companies like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines operate out of the station on Butler Ave. Local air service goes through the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, located just 4.3 miles from the city center.

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 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.

All train stations in Chicago:

Union Station

Where is the train station in Flagstaff?

Main arrival station: 1 East Rte 66

The Flagstaff station at 1 East Rte 66 doubles as the city's Visitors Center, so you'll have travel resources available as soon as you step off the train. Also, check out the gift shop's selection of Flagstaff and train-themed souvenirs, clothing, books, and Route 66 memorabilia. Flagstaff is a stop along the Southwest Chief Amtrak line, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. You can take the Southwest Chief line one stop west to Williams and then take the Grand Canyon Railway straight to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Or, since the station is in the heart of the city, you can begin your Flagstaff exploration right away.

All train stations in Flagstaff:

1 East Rte 66
880 E Butler Ave

Need a return trip from Flagstaff to Chicago?

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