Cheap train tickets from Chicago to El Paso
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:
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to El Paso?
There are usually 7 daily bus trips available from Chicago to El Paso.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$247.30 | Avg. Price$231.46 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration1d 14h 18m | Duration2d 3h 12m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to El Paso. Traveling by train from Chicago to El Paso usually takes 51 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 48 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 1251 mi (2013 km) |
| Fastest train | 48h 33m |
| Lowest price | $151.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to El Paso?
The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to El Paso is $174.00, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 9 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $173.00 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to El Paso on Wanderu at least 9 days ahead of time, you can save about $173.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to El Paso?
2 train services operate from Chicago to El Paso. 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 4h 7m | $289.43 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 2d 0h 34m | $303.15 |
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 El Paso every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $151.
Amtrak Texas Eagle train tickets from Chicago to El Paso start from $157, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to El Paso. Amtrak Texas Eagle in Chicago leaves from Chicago (Union Station), Illinois . And in El Paso trains arrive at 700 W San Francisco Ave .
From Chicago to El Paso train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 48 hours and 34 minutes. If you are looking to get to El Paso faster, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 48 hours and 33 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to El Paso 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 El Paso
The distance between Chicago and El Paso is approximately 1251 miles, or 2013 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 51 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 48 hours and 33 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 from Chicago to El Paso are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to El Paso. 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 El Paso 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.
El Paso
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
El Paso takes you to a world of art, history, entertainment, and style. Also known as the Sun City, El Paso is more than just stories of outlaws and their notoriety. While it is the city where one can learn about the lives of jailbreaker Billy the Kid and gunfighter John Wesley Hardin, it is also home to inspiring historical figures such as city attorney Richard F. Burges and missionary Fray Garcia.
El Paso has an exciting mix of art galleries and museums that depicts the city's rich culture and history. These are the reasons why El Paso lures thousands of painters, sculptors, photographers, and muralists from around the world. Among the best art galleries in the area are the Agave Rosa Gallery, Encaustic International Art Studio, and Ho Baron Sculpture Garden.
El Paso delivers when it comes to family and adult entertainment as well. Kids would surely love exploring the El Paso Zoo, trying the rides at the Western Playland, and biking along the Rio Grande. For adults, El Paso's regional casinos are worth visiting. And if you’re a fan of a mixed drink, El Paso is home to some of the country’s cheapest cocktails.
El Paso is easily accessible via train, bus, or air. Flights arrive at the El Paso International Airport or just north of the state border in Las Cruces, NM (the Las Cruces Shuttle runs from this airport to El Paso several times daily). Ground travel includes train service on Amtrak and bus service on several major bus carriers from El Paso to other destinations in Texas and beyond.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Where is the train station in El Paso?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 700 W San Francisco Ave
The Amtrak train station in El Paso was designed by Daniel Burnham, the architect of the Washington D.C. Union Station. The red-bricked building is easy to spot, though the large, green-roofed bell tower makes the building look more like a church than a train station. Inside, the church-style continues with high ceilings, arched windows, mosaic tiles, and pew-style seating. The station has plenty of parking for your car. Nearby is a small shopping center where you can get a coffee shop, candy shop, and multiple body-health stores.
All train stations in El Paso:
700 W San Francisco Ave
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from El Paso to Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
Continue by train from El Paso
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.