San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sat, Mar 21
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Amtrak
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2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Mar 23

Cheapest price

$798

Average price

$798

Fastest journey

1 d 6 h 56 m

Average duration

1 d 6 h 56 m

Trains per day

1

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 $798 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $798.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave San Antonio, TX for Chicago, IL on Mon, Mar 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Mar 23 the direct trains cover the 1691 km distance in an average of 1 d 6 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 6 h 56 m .

On Mon, Mar 23 the slowest trains will take 1 d 6 h 56 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.

Amtrak
12:48PM30h56
San Antonio, TX
07:44PMChicago, IL
$7981One-way
0 transfers

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 train with prices starting from $152. 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 train costs an average of $152, and a flight costs an average of $106.

Distance: 1050 miles (1691 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

$242

Average price

Cheapest

$257

Average price

$311

Average price

31h 7m

Average total duration

30h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

26h 7m

Average total duration

25h 37m

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 tomorrow, Sunday, March 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:57 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak12:48 PM San Antonio, TX
30h56
7:44 PM 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.

Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26
Fri
Mar 27
Sat
Mar 28
Sun
Mar 29

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 6 times per day, taking around 30h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $152 (€123) but you can travel from only $106 (€86) 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 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
Flight from $106 (€86)
Distance
1050 miles (1691 km)
Average train duration
30h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
$152 (€123)
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
30h 56m
First train
06:48
Last train
16:22
Cheapest month
Feb
Cheapest day
Tue
High season
Jan - Mar
Low season
Jul - Sep
Busiest day
Sat
Least busy day
Sat
Best day to book ahead
49 days
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
Flight from $106 (€86)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Antonio, TX and Chicago, IL from $106 (€86). 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
$152 (€123)
Amtrak frequency
6 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 $152 (€123), while the average price is around $242 (€196).
The train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL takes 30h 56m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:48 AM.
The distance by train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL is 1050 miles (1691 km).
The last train from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL leaves at 4:22 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 flight, with a cost of around $106 (€86).
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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