The cheapest and fastest trains from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$219
Average price
$282
Fastest journey
1 d 6 h 56 m
Average duration
1 d 11 h 26 m
Trains per day
5
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 $282 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $219.
Of the 5 trains that leave San Antonio, TX for Chicago, IL on Sat, Nov 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 08 the direct trains cover the 1691 km distance in an average of 1 d 11 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 6 h 56 m .
On Sat, Nov 08 the slowest trains will take 1 d 15 h 55 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
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief
22 Texas Eagle
22 Texas Eagle
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief
22 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief
22 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln ServiceTravel 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* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
422 Texas Eagle | 12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 30h56 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
22 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 37h12 | 2:00 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief | 12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 31h54 | 8:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 3 transfers | |
22 Texas Eagle · 822 Heartland Flyer · 8904 AMTRAK · 4 Southwest Chief | 12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 37h12 | 2:00 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4 transfers | |
422 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service | 12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 39h55 | 4:43 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
22 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service | 12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 39h55 | 4:43 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
22 Texas Eagle | 12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 30h56 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
422 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 12:48 PM San Antonio Station, San Antonio, TX | 37h12 | 2:00 AM 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 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.
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
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 $162 (€132) but you can travel from only $134 (€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.
Distance 1050 miles (1691 km) |
Average train duration 30h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $162 (€132) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 30h 56m |
First train 06:48 |
Last train 13:52 |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Antonio, TX and Chicago, IL from $134 (€109). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
- 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
- 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
More options for your journey from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
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