Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Palm Springs
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Chicago to Palm Springs Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Palm Springs?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Palm Springs.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$249.86 | Avg. Price$198.00 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration1d 21h 49m | Duration2d 3h 36m |
Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Chicago and Palm Springs. The average train journey from Chicago to Palm Springs takes 54 hours and 24 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 48 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 1663 mi (2677 km) |
| Fastest train | 48h 35m |
| Lowest price | $178.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Palm Springs?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Palm Springs was $178.00. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Chicago and Palm Springs. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Palm Springs if you book your train tickets at least 15 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $107.52.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Palm Springs by month
Which train should you take from Chicago to Palm Springs?
2 train services operate from Chicago to Palm Springs. 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 | 2d 5h 49m | $324.36 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 2 | 2d 14h 10m | $835.20 |
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 Palm Springs every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $178.
Amtrak Texas Eagle train tickets from Chicago to Palm Springs start from $267, and on average cost . Daily there are 2 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to Palm Springs. Amtrak Texas Eagle in Chicago leaves from Union Station . And in Palm Springs trains arrive at Palm Springs Station Rd .
From Chicago to Palm Springs train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 62 hours and 10 minutes. If you are looking to get to Palm Springs faster, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 48 hours and 35 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Palm Springs on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Texas Eagle scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Palm Springs
The distance between Chicago and Palm Springs is approximately 1663 miles, or 2677 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 54 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 48 hours and 35 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.
Trains departing from Chicago to Palm Springs tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs to Chicago.
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.
Palm Springs
Image credit: Unsplash
Palm Springs is a desert resort city in California defined by its ultra-cool midcentury modern buildings and aesthetics. Travelers seeking relaxation flock to Palm Springs' stylish hotels and resorts like the Caliente Tropic Resort, spas like The Well Spa, hot springs like the Azure Palm Hot Springs, and the city's many palm tree-lined golf courses. History and art buffs can check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, Cabazon Dinosaurs, and Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Trivia break! Can you guess which president had a home in Palm Springs?
Explore the desert environment by meeting some locals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or trot through the Indian Canyons on horseback. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover trails for hiking, walking, and mountain biking in the desert city. Palm Canyon Drive, a cultural strip downtown, offers upscale dining and exciting nightlife, from resort restaurants to taverns and lounges.
Visit this chic resort city by train on the Amtrak Texas Eagle or Amtrak Sunset Limited. You can take a bus to Palm Springs on one of FlixBus' routes from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Riverside, and more. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is easy to reach, only two miles from downtown.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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 Palm Springs?
Main arrival station: SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr
There are more train stations and stops in Palm Springs than most cities. Most trains from Chicago will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Palm Springs:
All train stations in Palm Springs:
SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr
SunLine Transit Stop - 3400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs Station Rd
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Palm Springs to Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
Continue by train from Palm Springs
- Palm Springs to Phoenix Train
$100+
- Palm Springs to Burbank Train
$21+
- Palm Springs to Fresno Train
$70+
- Palm Springs to Fullerton Train
$46+
- Train from Palm Springs to Irvine
$20+
- Train from Palm Springs to Los Angeles
$21+
- Palm Springs to Modesto Train
$80+
- Train from Palm Springs to Ontario
$23+
- Train from Palm Springs to Pomona
$26+
- Palm Springs to Riverside Train
$25+
- Train from Palm Springs to Sacramento
$112+
- Palm Springs to San Diego Train
$39+
- Palm Springs to San Jose Train
$122+
- Palm Springs to San Juan Capistrano
$26+
- Palm Springs to San Luis Obispo Train
$84+
- Palm Springs to Santa Ana Train
$16+
- Train from Palm Springs to Albuquerque
$197+
- Train from Palm Springs to Seattle
$206+
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.