- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$307
Average price
$450
Fastest journey
1 d 7 h 1 m
Average duration
1 d 9 h 49 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
1691 km
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 $450 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $307.
Of the 8 trains that leave San Antonio, TX for Chicago, IL on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 1691 km distance in an average of 1 d 9 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 7 h 1 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 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.
22 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service
22 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief
422 Texas Eagle
422 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service
422 Texas Eagle
22 Texas Eagle
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief
422 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River RunnerOmio 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 $115. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $115, and a flight costs an average of $119.
Distance: 1050 miles (1691 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$271 Average price | $239 Average price Cheapest | $335 Average price | $246 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
31h 11m Average total duration 30h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 26h 21m Average total duration 25h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 45m Average total duration Fastest 4h 45m 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 San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $32 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL costing on average $271 (€222).
A bus is $96 (€78) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL costing on average $335 (€274).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 51m.
Train takes on average 30h 41m.
Tickets start at around $271 (€222) compared to roughly $246 (€202) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-24.55 (€-20.09). The journey takes 30h 41m 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.
The table below shows live departures for San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief | 6:48 AM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 37h12 | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4 transfers | |
422 Texas Eagle | 6:48 AM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 31h01 | 1:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
22 Texas Eagle | 6:48 AM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 31h01 | 1:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
422 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service | 6:48 AM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 39h55 | 10:43 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
422 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 6:48 AM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 37h12 | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief | 6:48 AM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 32h41 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 3 transfers | |
22 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 6:48 AM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 37h12 | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
22 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service | 6:48 AM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 39h55 | 10:43 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
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 San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 30h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $129 (€105) but you can travel from only $115 (€94) by bus.
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 31h 1m.
Distance 1050 miles (1691 km) |
Average train duration 30h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $129 (€105) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 31h 1m |
First train 6:48 AM |
Last train 4:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
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.

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