Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Tucson

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Tucson. Traveling by train from Chicago to Tucson usually takes 2 days, 9 hours, and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days, 6 hours, and 50 minutes.

Distance: 1441 mi (2319 km)
Fastest train: 54h 50m
Lowest price: CHF 154.50
Trains per day: 5
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Tucson Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

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

There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Tucson.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 478.98	Avg. PriceCHF 209.31Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips5	Daily Trips5
Duration	Duration57h 4m	Duration50h 51mFaster

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Tucson (Based on 1 rating and review)

5.0

Sandra L.

October 25, 2022 - Solo travel

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Pros: It had a beautiful scenic view, traveling straight through the Midwest. It was a good chance to meet people, full train, but well-spaced seating, ample leg room. As for width of the seats, it’s difficult sitting next to a very large, robust person. The staff was nice and accommodating, constantly cleaning. Cons: The toilets at the very end of the trip were disgusting. At the beginning, they were kept very clean. At the end, it was no use… However they didn’t smell. The large WC had air freshener. The other toilets were very small. I liked the space for changing babies’ diapers. Maybe not very clean, though. Tips: Take sanitizer, Kleenex or wipes for your hands. Take a pillow for your neck, due to the oddly shaped seats in “Coach” that offer no support for your neck. Coach is upstairs. Seats on the lower level have to be reserved. ($$$???) Note, in case you can’t climb the narrow staircase. If you want full service, sleepers or the food in the dining car, wait for the special offer to upgrade just before you leave. You can get sleeper cars that are unbooked for half price, when available. You can even “make an offer” which may be as low as $250. You can take a hard case suitcase (better with wheels) and have it checked in for free. If your carry your own bag, nobody weighs it, so you can make it as heavy as you can carry it yourself ! The weight won’t be checked. (Only if YOU carry it) I thought paying for a sleeper would defeat the purpose of the low cost ticket ("Coach”). Train is inexpensive for great distances, but too expensive for a two-hour trip. The seats in Coach have an elevation for the legs, so with a pillow you can comfortably sleep in them. Your legs won’t swell up. On the train you can walk around and go to the toilet often. Nobody wore masks. I don’t worry because I was vaccinated 4x, including the vaccine for Omicron. And I had CoVID twice – Alpha (sequenced) and presumably Delta, both last year. So I’m so over CoVID.

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

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Tucson cost about CHF 323 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Chicago and Tucson, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 352.28 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Tucson by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Tucson will cost between CHF 200 and CHF 1,016. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Tucson by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Tucson 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 CHF 261. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Tucson during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 469 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Tucson on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 352.28 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Tucson?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Tucson. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	58h 34m	CHF 408.88
Amtrak Texas Eagle	2	54h 52m	CHF 581.76

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 3 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Tucson every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 180.39.
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 restrooms, power outlets, complimentary WiFi, and a designated restaurant car with full meals.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Tucson

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Tucson. 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 Tucson to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Tucson for CHF 136.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Tucson is approximately 1,441 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 9 hours, and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 6 hours, and 50 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)

1441

Distance (km)

2319

The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:15 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 2:10 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

7:15am

Last train

2:10pm

Trains from Chicago to Tucson are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Sunday

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.

Tucson

A bright and sunny city with more than 350 days of sunshine and temperatures that rarely dip below 60, Tucson is undoubtedly one of Arizona's best vacation destinations. Those who don’t shy away from some outdoor activities should go on a hiking trip in the Saguaro National Park, where visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of southwestern landscapes. Of the park's two areas, the Tucson Mountain District is the more popular one, owing to its amazing sunset views. Architecture fans could also consider visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac, a perfect example of 18th-century architecture. If you wish to learn more about the region and its unique flora and fauna, head over to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which features 230 animal species and 1,200 local plant species.

It should come as no surprise that the most famous dishes in Tucson are Mexican foods, which boast spicy, sweet and smoky flavors. One of the best spots to enjoy these delicacies is at El Charro Café, which has been around since 1922. For a more eclectic menu, Feast is a good option.

The principal Amtrak train station in Tucson is on Toole Ave. The city is served by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited lines. The main bus station is the bus terminal located at 801 E 12th St, not too far from the train station. The city’s commercial air services are fulfilled by Tucson International Airport, which is 6 miles south of the city’s 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 Tucson?

Main arrival station: 400 N Toole Ave

The Amtrak station in Tucson is located on Toole Street in the Historic Fourth Avenue neighborhood. The station was built in 1907, and the neighboring Southern Arizona Transportation Museum displays railroad artifacts and a vintage locomotive from the station’s early days. Today, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle routes run through Tucson, heading towards Los Angeles, New Orleans, or Chicago. The station is comfortably appointed with clean bathrooms, charging ports, and indoor seating. Many top-rated dining options surround the station, but travelers can enjoy the best pre-train cocktail at the Congress Tap Room’s outdoor patio just across the street.

All train stations in Tucson:

400 N Toole Ave

Need a return trip from Tucson to Chicago?

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