City to city
Chicago to Albuquerque by train
You can travel direct from Chicago to Albuquerque on the Southwest Chief train, a journey that takes about 26 to 27 hours and runs daily.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Chief | about 26 to 27 hours | Daily in each direction | Yes | No, direct |
Traveling by train from Illinois to New Mexico offers a comfortable alternative to flying or driving. The route connects the Midwest with the Southwest, crossing prairies and high plains before reaching the desert. This trip requires an overnight stay on the train. You can choose to sleep in a standard coach seat or book a private room for a flat bed. Since the service runs once a day, planning ahead is helpful to secure your preferred accommodation. The journey provides a relaxed pace to watch the landscape change across several states.
Your train options
The Southwest Chief is the only direct train on this route, operating daily in each direction as of 2026. The trip takes about 26 to 27 hours, meaning you will spend one night on board.
Passengers can book a standard Coach seat, which includes reclining seats and leg rests. If you want more privacy and a flat bed, you can upgrade to a Superliner Roomette, a Superliner Bedroom, an Accessible Bedroom, or a Family Bedroom. You can learn more about these options in our guide to Amtrak sleeper accommodations.
The train also features a Sightseer Lounge car with large windows for viewing the landscape and a Dining car for meals. Choosing between coach and a sleeper depends on your budget and how well you sleep in a reclining seat. For advice on the cheaper option, read our guide on sleeping in coach overnight.
The journey
The ride begins with views of the Illinois prairie before crossing the Mississippi River at Fort Madison. The train then rolls through northern Missouri farmland toward Kansas City. Westbound passengers usually cross the old Santa Fe main line through Kansas during the night.
By the time you reach Colorado and New Mexico, the landscape shifts dramatically. The train climbs over Raton Pass, which is the highest point on the route at roughly 7,580 feet. You then travel across the high plains and mesas of northern New Mexico, following the historic Santa Fe Trail.
Along the way, the train makes several stops including Galesburg, Dodge City, La Junta, Trinidad, Raton, and Lamy. The scenery changes from flat agricultural land in the Midwest to rugged terrain in the Southwest, offering excellent views from the Sightseer Lounge car during daylight hours.
The stations
Your trip starts at Chicago Union Station, located in the West Loop just west of the Chicago River. The station features the historic Great Hall, a classic Beaux Arts waiting room opened in 1925. It serves as the hub for Amtrak long distance trains. Sleeping car passengers can access the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge before departure.
The train arrives at the Albuquerque Alvarado Transportation Center downtown, a building designed in a Mission Revival style. The Southwest Chief has a longer stop here, and vendors sometimes sell crafts on the platform. You can also connect to New Mexico Rail Runner Express trains heading to Santa Fe.
Tips
- Book your tickets early to get the best prices on Superliner Roomettes and Bedrooms.
- Read our Amtrak and VIA booking tips before you reserve your journey.
- Spend some time in the Sightseer Lounge car as the train crosses Raton Pass.
- Check the current timetable to see which sections of the route will be in darkness during your trip.
Questions travellers ask
Do I have to change trains between Chicago and Albuquerque?
No, you do not need to change trains. The Southwest Chief provides a direct service between Chicago and Albuquerque. The entire journey takes about 26 to 27 hours and runs daily in each direction.
Are meals included on the train from Chicago to Albuquerque?
If you book a Superliner Roomette or Bedroom, your dining car meals are included in the ticket price. Passengers riding in coach must purchase their own food from the cafe or dining car, or they can bring their own meals on board.
What is the highest point on the train ride to Albuquerque?
The train reaches its highest elevation at Raton Pass, located near the border of Colorado and New Mexico. The tracks climb to roughly 7,580 feet above sea level before descending into the high plains and mesas of northern New Mexico.