The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX
Cheapest price
$220
Average price
$312
Fastest journey
1 d 8 h 24 m
Average duration
1 d 11 h 43 m
Trains per day
2
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 $312 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $220.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for San Antonio, TX on Thu, May 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 07 the direct trains cover the 1691 km distance in an average of 1 d 11 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 8 h 24 m .
On Thu, May 07 the slowest trains will take 1 d 15 h 1 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.
1:15 PM39h01Chicago, IL4:16 AMSan Antonio, TX$2201One-way0 transfers
7:52 PM32h24Chicago, IL4:16 AMSan Antonio, TX$4051One-way0 transfers
7:52 PM32h24Chicago, IL4:16 AMSan Antonio, TX$4051One-way0 transfers
1:15 PM39h01Chicago, IL4:16 AMSan Antonio, TX$2201One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX
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 $155. 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 $155, and a flight costs an average of $203.
Distance: 1050 miles (1691 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$298 Average price Cheapest | $300 Average price | $370 Average price | $260 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
32h 30m Average total duration 32h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 52m Average total duration 28h 22m 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 $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX costing on average $300 (€239).
A train is $72 (€57) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX costing on average $370 (€295).
Other travel options to San Antonio, TX take longer:
Bus takes on average 28h 22m.
Train takes on average 32h 0m.
Tickets start at around $298 (€237) compared to roughly $260 (€207) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-37.73 (€-30.05). The journey takes 32h 0m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:15 PM Chicago, IL | 39h01 | 4:16 AM San Antonio, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:52 PM Chicago, IL | 32h24 | 4:16 AM San Antonio, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX
Trains from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX run on average 4 times per day, taking around 32h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $155 (€124) if you book in advance.
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 24m.
Distance 1050 miles (1691 km) |
Average train duration 32h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $155 (€124) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 32h 24m |
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 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX from $155 (€124). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- The Station Cafe
- Rosario's Mexican Cafe Y Cantina
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, restrooms.
- $1.50
- Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center
- Holiday Inn Express San Antonio N-Riverwalk Area
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak services
- Hall 3: parking and taxi area
- Bus: VIA Metropolitan Transit routes 26, 30, 36, 42, 70, 96
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX
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