How much is the train ticket from San Marcos to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from San Marcos to Chicago start at $168. The average price for this train route is around $243. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from San Marcos to Chicago?

The average train trip from San Marcos to Chicago takes 1d 11h and covers 1623 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1d 5h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the San Marcos to Chicago route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from San Marcos to Chicago?

The earliest train from San Marcos to Chicago departs at 8:20am. The latest train departs at 8:22am.

Train San Marcos to Chicago from $161 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for San Marcos to Chicago on January 28
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Marcos to Chicago on January 29
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 14h	10:43pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Marcos to Chicago on January 30
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 14h	10:43pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Marcos to Chicago on January 31
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 14h	10:43pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Marcos to Chicago on February 1
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Marcos to Chicago on February 2
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for San Marcos to Chicago on February 3
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 5h	1:49pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:22am	San Marcos Station	1d 11h	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 7:10 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Marcos to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 1 day, 7 hours 15 minutes, and with fares starting at just $157, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

7bus per day

1d 7hAverage Duration

1610 kmDistance

40kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$157 - $563	Average Duration1d 7h	CO₂ emissions 40kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$168 - $1,286	Average Duration1d 11h	CO₂ emissions 148kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in San Marcos, TX, US and Chicago?

San Marcos, TX, US

A
San Marcos Station
338 S Guadalupe St, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
Visit page

Chicago

A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,751 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wi‑Fi3.6

Based on 5751 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the Wi‑Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $168

US train companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Marcos, TX, US to Chicago by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from San Marcos to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from San Marcos to Chicago start at $168. The average price for this train route is around $243. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from San Marcos to Chicago?
The average train trip from San Marcos to Chicago takes 1d 11h and covers 1623 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1d 5h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the San Marcos to Chicago route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from San Marcos to Chicago?
The earliest train from San Marcos to Chicago departs at 8:20am. The latest train departs at 8:22am.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

01-25

No data

01-26

$331

Today

$278

01-28

$278

01-29

$253

01-30

$268

01-31

$229

02-01

$192

The cheapest trip from San Marcos, TX, US to Chicago was searched and found on Feb 1, 2026 with a price of $192

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Marcos, TX, US to Chicago, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $192 to $1,243 for a train ticket from San Marcos, TX, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $192 which is on 2026-02-01.

What's the cheapest way to go from San Marcos, TX, US to Chicago?

The Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel time1d 7h	Avg Price$262	Daily Departures7
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time1d 11h	Avg Price$243	Daily Departures3

The best way to travel between San Marcos, TX, US and Chicago is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $243 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $168. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Chicago, choose the train, as it will take you from San Marcos, TX, US to Chicago in about 1d 7h —that's the fastest way to get there!