Train from Chicago to San Marcos, TX, US: Tickets & Schedules

Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to San Marcos on January 18
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
San Marcos StationCheapest
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
San Marcos StationFastest
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
San Marcos StationNo tags
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
San Marcos StationNo tags
AmtrakTrain
Chicago (Union Station), IL
San Marcos StationNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Sunday at 8:45 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to San Marcos

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as the good way to reach San Marcos. The journey takes about 1 day, 2 hours 15 minutes and with fares starting at just $139, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

24bus per day
1d 2hAverage Duration
999 milesDistance
40kgCO₂ emissions
Average Price$139 - $557Average Duration1d 2h
40kg CO₂e
Average Price$121 - $1,094Average Duration1d 10h
148kg CO₂e

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

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

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

    The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to San Marcos start from $121. The average price for this train route is around $227. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

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

    The average train ride duration from Chicago to San Marcos is 1d 10h, covering a distance of 1007 miles (1623 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 5h and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which train operators service the Chicago to San Marcos route?

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

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

    The earliest train departs from Chicago to San Marcos at 7:15am. And the latest train departs at 2:10pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
01/11
$218
01/12
$200
Today
$137
01/14
$115
01/15
$157
01/16
No data
01/17
$137
01/18
$200
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Chicago to San Marcos, TX, US was searched and found on Jan 14, 2026 with a price of $115

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

You can expect to pay from $115 to $768 for a train ticket from Chicago to San Marcos, TX, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $115 which is on 2026-01-14.

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

busbud logoThe Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

The best way to travel between Chicago and San Marcos, TX, US is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $227 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 San Marcos, TX, US, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to San Marcos, TX, US in about 1d 2h - that's the fastest way to get there!

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