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

The cheapest train tickets from San Marcos to Chicago start from $121. The average price for this train route is around $193. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

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

The average train ride duration from San Marcos to Chicago is 1d 11h, covering a distance of 1007 miles (1623 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 5h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the San Marcos to Chicago route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Marcos to Chicago?

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

Train San Marcos to Chicago from $115 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for San Marcos to Chicago on January 27
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 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 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 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

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 1:02 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 $113, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

7bus per day

1d 7hAverage Duration

1007 milesDistance

41kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$113 - $492	Average Duration1d 7h	CO₂ emissions 41kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$121 - $1,587	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

4/55,750 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5750 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $121

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling 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 from $121. The average price for this train route is around $193. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from San Marcos to Chicago?
The average train ride duration from San Marcos to Chicago is 1d 11h, covering a distance of 1007 miles (1623 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 5h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the San Marcos to Chicago route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Marcos to Chicago?
The earliest train departs from San Marcos to Chicago at 8:20am. And 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

01/24

$164

01/25

No data

Today

$237

01/27

$199

01/28

$167

01/29

$181

01/30

$167

01/31

$164

The cheapest trip from San Marcos, TX, US to Chicago was searched and found on Jan 24, 2026 with a price of $164

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 $164 to $864 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 $164 which is on 2026-01-31.

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$196	Daily Departures7
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time1d 11h	Avg Price$193	Daily Departures2

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 $193 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $121. 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!