Cheap train tickets from Chicago to El Paso
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to El Paso. Traveling by train from Chicago to El Paso usually takes 50 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 48 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 1251 mi (2013 km) |
| Fastest train | 48h 15m |
| Lowest price | $172.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Chicago to El Paso Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Chicago to El Paso?
There are usually 10 daily bus trips available from Chicago to El Paso.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$447.59 | Avg. Price$283.25Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips10 |
Duration | Duration50h 18m | Duration37h 8mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to El Paso:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to El Paso?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to El Paso was $251.84. Considering the distance between Chicago and El Paso, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $516.03 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to El Paso by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to El Paso will cost between $231 and $648. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to El Paso by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to El Paso often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $285. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to El Paso during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $467 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to El Paso on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $516.03 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Chicago to El Paso?
There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to El Paso, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 51h 50m | $385.53 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 2 | 48h 15m | $530.48 |
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 $187.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to El Paso
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 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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to El Paso for $136.
TRIPS PER DAY
5
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Chicago and El Paso is approximately 1251 miles, or 2013 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 50 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 48 hours and 15 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)
1251
DISTANCE (KM)
2013
The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:15am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:10pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:15am
LATEST TRAIN
2:10pm
Trains from Chicago to El Paso are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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
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 does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in El Paso?
Main 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
Need a return trip from El Paso to Chicago?
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