Cheap train tickets from El Paso to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from El Paso to Chicago. Traveling by train from El Paso to Chicago usually takes 48 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Texas Eagle train can make the trip in 45 hours and 4 minutes.
| Distance | 1251 mi (2013 km) |
| Fastest train | 45h 4m |
| Lowest price | $172.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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El Paso to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from El Paso to Chicago?
There are usually 9 daily bus trips available from El Paso to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$300.72 | Avg. Price$256.04Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips9 |
Duration | Duration48h 4m | Duration37h 40mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from El Paso to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from El Paso to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from El Paso to Chicago was $247.77. Considering the distance between El Paso and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $320.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from El Paso to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from El Paso to Chicago will cost between $220 and $322. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from El Paso to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from El Paso to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $228. If you're thinking of traveling from El Paso to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $375 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 El Paso to Chicago on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $320.25 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from El Paso to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from El Paso to Chicago, 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 | 50h 5m | $288.62 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 2 | 45h 4m | $318.72 |
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 El Paso to Chicago every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $187.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from El Paso to Chicago
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from El Paso to Chicago. 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 Chicago to El Paso. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from El Paso to Chicago for $118.
TRIPS PER DAY
5
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between El Paso and Chicago is approximately 1251 miles, or 2013 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 48 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 45 hours and 4 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 El Paso at 3:45pm while the last train of the day leaves at 3:45pm. 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
3:45pm
LATEST TRAIN
3:45pm
Trains from El Paso to Chicago are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in El Paso?
Main departure 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
Where does the train arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival 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
Need a return trip from Chicago to El Paso?
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