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

Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to San Marcos on December 4
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: Yesterday at 3:05 PM 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 a good way to reach San Marcos. The journey takes about 1 day, 2 hours 14 minutes, and with fares starting at just $182, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

21bus per day
1d 2hAverage Duration
1623 kmDistance
41kgCO₂ emissions
Average Price$182 - $625Average Duration1d 2h
41kg CO₂e
Average Price$200 - $1,318Average Duration1d 9h
148kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling 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 at $200. The average price for this train route is around $311. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

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

    The average train trip from Chicago to San Marcos takes 1d 9h and covers 1623 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1d 5h and is operated by Amtrak.

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

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

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

    The earliest train from Chicago to San Marcos departs at 7:15am. The latest train departs at 1:52pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
12-01
$1,123
12-02
$342
Today
$218
12-04
$275
12-05
$259
12-06
$308
12-07
No data
12-08
No data
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Chicago to San Marcos, TX, US was searched and found on Dec 3, 2025 with a price of $218

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 $218 to $1,123 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 $259 which is on 2025-12-05.

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 $311 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $200. 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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