Chicago to Dallas by train

Traveling from Illinois to Texas by rail is a straightforward trip. Passengers can board the Texas Eagle in Chicago and ride directly to Dallas without changing trains. Operating daily as of 2026, this route connects the Great Lakes with the heart of Texas. The journey takes you through the Midwest, crossing the Mississippi River and passing through the Ozark foothills before reaching the pine woods of East Texas. Whether you are traveling for business or planning a longer vacation, the train provides a relaxing alternative to flying or driving down the interstate.

Your train options

The Texas Eagle is the only direct train on this route. It runs daily between Chicago and San Antonio, with through cars continuing to Los Angeles three times a week as of 2026. The trip to Dallas takes about 22 to 27 hours and involves one overnight segment. Passengers can choose between standard Coach class, which features reclining seats and leg rests, or upgrade to a private room. Sleeping options include the Superliner Roomette, Superliner Bedroom, Family Bedroom, and Accessible Bedroom. If you book a sleeper, you have access to a bed and meals are usually included. Those on a budget might prefer sleeping in coach overnight. All passengers can spend time in the Sightseer Lounge car, which has large windows for viewing the landscape, and purchase meals in the Dining car. Choosing your class depends on your budget and how much privacy you want for the overnight portion of the trip.

The journey

The route from Chicago to Dallas offers a changing view of the American landscape. Leaving Chicago, the train travels through Route 66 country in central Illinois. You will pass through towns like Joliet, Springfield, and Alton before crossing the Mississippi River into St. Louis. South of St. Louis, the train enters the Ozark foothills of southern Missouri and the Arkansas Delta. Southbound passengers usually pass through this section at night, but northbound travelers might see more of it during daylight hours. The train stops in Little Rock, Arkadelphia, and Hope before crossing into Texas at Texarkana. The final stretch into Dallas rolls through the East Texas pine woods, making stops in small historic towns such as Marshall, Longview, and Mineola. You will not see the central Texas hill country on this trip, as that scenery lies further south past Fort Worth.

The stations

The trip begins at Chicago Union Station, located in the West Loop just west of the Chicago River. It is a short walk or bus ride from the Loop. The station features the Great Hall, a classic Beaux Arts waiting room opened in 1925. Sleeping car passengers can use the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. Chicago is the hub of Amtrak's long distance network, with connections to Metra commuter trains and the CTA Blue Line. You will arrive at Dallas Union Station. Opened in 1916, it sits downtown next to Reunion Tower. Here, you can connect to DART light rail or the Trinity Railway Express commuter trains to Fort Worth.