San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri, Feb 06
+ Add return
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Feb 06

Cheapest price

$218

Average price

$247

Fastest journey

1 d 7 h 1 m

Average duration

1 d 9 h 40 m

Trains per day

8

Distance

1691 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL will cost around $247 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $218.

Fast trains

Of the 8 trains that leave San Antonio, TX for Chicago, IL on Fri, Feb 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Feb 06 the direct trains cover the 1691 km distance in an average of 1 d 9 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 7 h 1 m .

On Fri, Feb 06 the slowest trains will take 1 d 13 h 12 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.

Amtrak22 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service
06:48AM39h55
San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
10:43PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$2181One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak422 Texas Eagle
06:48AM31h01
San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
01:49PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$2261One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak22 Texas Eagle
06:48AM31h01
San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
01:49PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$2261One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak22 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
06:48AM37h12
San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
08:00PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$2271One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak422 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service
06:48AM39h55
San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
10:43PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$2521One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €109. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €109, and a flight costs an average of €209.

Distance: 1050 miles (1691 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€186

Average price

€178

Average price

Cheapest

€320

Average price

30h 57m

Average total duration

30h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

24h 53m

Average total duration

24h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 4m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, February 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:47 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
31h54
8:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3 transfers
amtrak22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
37h12
2:00 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL4 transfers
amtrak22 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
37h12
2:00 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer
amtrak22 Texas Eagle12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
31h01
7:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
amtrak22 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX
39h55
4:43 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer
amtrak11:48 AM San Antonio, TX
39h55
3:43 AM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight

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.

Fri
Feb 06
Sat
Feb 07
Sun
Feb 08
Mon
Feb 09
Tue
Feb 10
Wed
Feb 11
Thu
Feb 12

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

Trains from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 30h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $166 (€132) but you can travel from only $137 (€109) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:48, the last at 13:52. The fastest train covers the 1050 miles (1691 km) distance in 30h 56m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $137 (€109)
Distance
1050 miles (1691 km)
Average train duration
30h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
$166 (€132)
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
30h 56m
First train
06:48
Last train
13:52
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $137 (€109)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Antonio, TX and Chicago, IL from $137 (€109). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
30h 56m
Cheapest Price
$166 (€132)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $166 (€132), while the average price is around $233 (€186).
The train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL takes 30h 56m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL is 1050 miles (1691 km).
The first train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:48 AM.
The last train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL leaves at 1:52 PM.
There is no high speed train available from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL.
The train station in San Antonio, TX that goes to Chicago, IL is San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $137 (€109).
The train journey from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL offers scenic views, particularly through the Texas Hill Country, with its rolling hills and diverse landscapes. As the train moves north, travelers can also enjoy views of the Mississippi River and the changing Midwest scenery before reaching the urban skyline of Chicago.
A day trip from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey duration is 30h 56m, covering a distance of 1050 miles (1691 km). The frequency is 5 times per day for trains.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL

San Antonio
Chicago
The major train station for departures in San Antonio is San Antonio Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Antonio Station for your trip from San Antonio to Chicago.
San Antonio StationLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
3
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Dining
Dining
  • The Station Cafe
  • Rosario's Mexican Cafe Y Cantina
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center
  • Holiday Inn Express San Antonio N-Riverwalk Area
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Downtown
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
  • Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak services
  • Hall 3: parking and taxi area
Public transit options for San Antonio Station
  • Bus: VIA Metropolitan Transit routes 26, 30, 36, 42, 70, 96

More options for your journey from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL

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Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX

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