- Must visit
San Antonio Museum of Art
A premier collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Asian art in a striking riverside complex, ideal for art lovers and curious first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
€150
Average price
€209
Fastest journey
1 d 8 h 36 m
Average duration
1 d 12 h 24 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
1691 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX will cost around €209 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €150.
Of the 4 trains that leave Chicago, IL for San Antonio, TX on Thu, Aug 06, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 1691 km distance in an average of 1 d 12 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 8 h 36 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 1 d 15 h 31 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €105. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €105, and a flight costs an average of €77.
Distance: 1050 miles (1691 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€203 Average price Cheapest | €208 Average price | €305 Average price | €206 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
32h 25m Average total duration 31h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 27h 11m Average total duration 26h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX:
A train is €5 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX costing on average €208.
A train is €102 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX costing on average €305.
Other travel options to San Antonio, TX take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 41m.
Train takes on average 31h 55m.
Tickets start at around €203 compared to roughly €206 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €4. The journey takes 31h 55m versus 18h 3m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
301 Lincoln Service · 21 Texas Eagle | 7:15 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 39h31 | 10:46 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 1 transfer | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle | 9:50 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 36h56 | 10:46 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 1 transfer | |
21 Texas Eagle | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 32h36 | 10:46 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX run on average 4 times per day, taking around 31h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €105 but you can travel from only €77 by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:48, the last at 16:22. The fastest train covers the 1050 miles (1691 km) distance in 32h 36m.
Distance 1050 miles (1691 km) |
Average train duration 31h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €105 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 32h 36m |
First train 6:48 AM |
Last train 4:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of San Antonio, TX — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Antonio, TX trip today.
A premier collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Asian art in a striking riverside complex, ideal for art lovers and curious first-time visitors.
This leading Latinx art museum showcases contemporary and historic works, making it one of the city’s most distinctive cultural stops.
Housed in a former brewery, this contemporary art museum presents rotating exhibitions in one of San Antonio’s most atmospheric spaces.
The city’s signature pedestrian corridor links shops, boats, bridges, and historic architecture, making it San Antonio’s essential walking experience.
This artsy, fast-evolving district mixes galleries, murals, boutiques, and nightlife with a strong local identity near the river.
A lively downtown plaza framed by major civic buildings, it is best known for events, fountains, and the nightly cathedral light show nearby.
Puffy tacos are San Antonio’s signature dish: crisp, airy fried corn tortillas filled with picadillo, chicken, or beans, rooted in local Tex-Mex history.
Barbacoa is slow-cooked beef, often served on weekends in breakfast tacos. It is a beloved South Texas tradition with deep Mexican roots.
Breakfast tacos are a daily staple in San Antonio, usually filled with egg, potato, bean, bacon, or chorizo in flour or corn tortillas.
Refined River Walk restaurant serving upscale South Texas and Mexican cuisine. Elegant atmosphere with a long-standing fine dining reputation.
Popular breakfast and lunch spot known for house-made tortillas, tacos, and classic San Antonio Tex-Mex in a relaxed setting.
Beloved market restaurant for authentic Mexican dishes, fresh tortillas, and bakery items. Bustling, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than New York or San Francisco, while car use can add costs because transit is limited.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-$2 per drink or coffee if there is table or bar service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Antonio, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX trains use the Union Station to San Antonio Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
San Antonio Station is 1 km from San Antonio city centre. Public transport options include:
San Antonio Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Station Cafe, Rosario's Mexican Cafe Y Cantina
Ticket office support is available at San Antonio Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at San Antonio Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Antonio Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San Antonio Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Antonio Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center, Holiday Inn Express San Antonio N-Riverwalk Area, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Downtown.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need