Cheap train tickets from San Marcos to Chicago
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San Marcos to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Marcos to Chicago?
There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from San Marcos to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 1,097.10 | Avg. PriceRON 1,001.03 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration1d 2h 37m | Duration1d 10h 2m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from San Marcos to Chicago. Traveling by train from San Marcos to Chicago usually takes 34 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Texas Eagle train can make the trip in 29 hours and 27 minutes.
| Distance | 1008 mi (1623 km) |
| Fastest train | 29h 27m |
| Lowest price | RON 857.36 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |

What is the price of a train ticket from San Marcos to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Marcos to Chicago was RON 1,156.21. Considering the distance between San Marcos and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 565.81 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Marcos to Chicago by month
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Marcos to Chicago on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 565.81 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Marcos to Chicago?
2 train services operate from San Marcos to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 1d 11h 44m | RON 1,450.75 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 1d 5h 27m | RON 2,373.85 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from San Marcos to Chicago every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 857.
Amtrak Texas Eagle train tickets from San Marcos to Chicago start from RON 953, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Texas Eagle in San Marcos leaves from 338 S Guadalupe St - San Marcos Intermodal Station . And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station .
From San Marcos to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 29 hours and 27 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Chicago on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Texas Eagle scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from San Marcos.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Marcos to Chicago
The distance between San Marcos and Chicago is approximately 1008 miles, or 1623 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 34 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 29 hours and 27 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 San Marcos to Chicago are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs San Marcos at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. 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 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from San Marcos 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 San Marcos.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Marcos?
Main departure station: 338 S Guadalupe St - San Marcos Intermodal Station
There is one train station in San Marcos.
All train stations in San Marcos:
338 S Guadalupe St - San Marcos Intermodal Station
Where is the train station in Chicago?

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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
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