We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
There is one daily train from Chicago to Trinidad. Traveling by train from Chicago to Trinidad usually takes 19 hours and 34 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 954 mi (1536 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 34m |
| Lowest price | $137.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Southwest Chief |
| Train lines | 1 |
Average score for trains from Chicago to Trinidad
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: The observation car was a nice addition, with big windows, comfortable seats facing the windows. You could really watch the scenery and you weren't cramped. Cons: I found the seat fabric uncomfortable. Tips: Bring some food and water and wear comfortable clothes, and possibly a mask for sleeping to keep out light.
Over the past month, a train ticket between Chicago and Trinidad cost $137.00, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 14 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $79.00 more.
Amtrak Southwest Chief is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Trinidad. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 19h 34m | $174.40 |
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 Trinidad in about 19 hours and 34 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.
The distance between Chicago and Trinidad is approximately 954 miles, or 1536 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 34 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.
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Chicago to Trinidad. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 2:00pm and arrives in Trinidad around 19 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Trinidad with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Trinidad to 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.
Image credit: GPA Photo Archive
Link to image attributionTrinidad is a small, suburban town located near the New Mexico border. It can be found halfway between Denver and Santa Fe. The town is also along the Scenic Highway of Legends, which makes it a perfect pit stop on your trip.
While in Trinidad, you can visit museums like the Trinidad History Museum, A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, Art Cartopia Museum, and Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial. It also has locations to enjoy arts, like the Corazon Gallery and Louden-Henritze Archaeology. Trinidad features historic architecture like the Bloom Mansion. Hike, run, or bike in the outdoor areas like the Trinidad Lake State Park, Fishers Peak State Park, and Kit Carson Round-Up Park.
Trinidad has different locations for enjoying beers and wines, with different breweries and brewpubs in and around the city. It also features a vibrant nightlife, including saloons, bars, social clubs, and restaurants for fine dining. Visit Historic Downtown Trinidad to enjoy the local stores, restaurants, bars, and clubs.
You can easily access Trinidad, Colorado, from many other cities when traveling by train, including Amtrak lines like the Amtrak Southwest Chief. Few neighboring cities offer buses to Trinidad, but Greyhound has a couple of lines going to the city.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Trinidad has one train station.
110 West Pine St
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.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more
