Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Albuquerque

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Albuquerque. Traveling by train from Chicago to Albuquerque usually takes 1 day, 4 hours, and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 1 day, 1 hour, and 54 minutes.

Distance: 1125 mi (1811 km)
Fastest train: 25h 54m
Lowest price: RON 613.40
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Albuquerque Train Schedule

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

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

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceRON 1,095.16	Avg. PriceRON 1,037.99Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips2	Daily Trips3
Duration	Duration28h 50mFaster	Duration29h 13m

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

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Albuquerque cost about RON 953 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 3 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 278.71 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Albuquerque by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Albuquerque will cost between RON 757 and RON 3,029. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Albuquerque by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Albuquerque often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only RON 944. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Albuquerque during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 1,486 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Albuquerque on Wanderu at least 3 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 278.71 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Albuquerque?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	31h 46m	RON 1,014.28
Amtrak Southwest Chief	1	25h 56m	RON 1,175.61

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 Albuquerque every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 661.32.
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 Albuquerque in about 1 day, 1 hour, and 56 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 Albuquerque

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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Albuquerque for RON 628.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Albuquerque is approximately 1,125 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 4 hours, and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 1 hour, and 54 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)

1125

Distance (km)

1811

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 Albuquerque 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Thursday

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.

Albuquerque

A city rich in history and culture, Albuquerque offers an exciting mix of Hispanic and Native American cultural elements. The city’s main attraction is the Old Town quarter, which has been around for over 300 years. Featuring quaint cobblestone streets and brightly colored adobe huts, the quarter is a perfect blend of the two cultures, making it a rare sight in the U.S. The quarter also houses the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city. Nature lovers will find the ABQ BioPark a pleasant surprise. Featuring an aquarium, a beach, a zoo, and a botanical garden, the park offers enough fun for the whole day. If you wish to learn more about the local Native American heritage, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the place to visit.

The Albuquerque food scene is among the most vibrant around. The state’s staple dishes are strong and spicy with a very distinctive New Mexican vibe. The best place to check out these dishes is at High Noon Restaurant and Saloon, a local favorite. Don’t forget to try out the city’s unique wine scene as well, and if you wish to sample different varieties, the Albuquerque Wine Festival is a great chance to do so.

The Alvarado Transportation Center is the busiest bus and train station in the city. Bus service by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines will take you from Albuquerque to various cities such as Phoenix, Dallas or even Chicago. For trains, the local Amtrak lines can take you to Denver, Santa Fe, Salt Lake City and beyond. The main airport of the city is the Albuquerque International Sunport, 3 miles southeast of the central business district.

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 Albuquerque?

Main arrival station: Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW

Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW - ABQAMT-0

Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW - ABQAMT-1

Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW - ABQAMT-2

Located in a busy area in Downtown Albuquerque, Alvarado Transportation Center is a multi-modal transportation center that serves intercity buses and trains. The station is currently situated on the site of the fabled Alvarado Hotel, once a luxury railroad hotel for early 20th century travelers. Maintaining the Mission Revival style of the now-demolished hotel, the Alvarado Transportation Center features arched entryways and a large clocktower that welcomes current passengers. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line stops in Albuquerque along its Los Angeles to Chicago route, and Jefferson Lines and Greyhound operate bus service through the station as well. From the station’s downtown location, you can connect with local public transit to access the rest of the city.

All train stations in Albuquerque:

Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW

Need a return trip from Albuquerque to Chicago?

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