Planning a journey from the Midwest to the Southwest? Amtrak offers an unforgettable adventure between Chicago and Phoenix, combining comfort, affordability, and breathtaking views. Although there isn’t a direct Amtrak station in Phoenix, passengers can easily get there from Maricopa, Arizona, by taking a connecting shuttle. Here’s your guide to the Amtrak route from Chicago to Phoenix, including schedules, ticket prices, and tips for a smooth trip.
Amtrak Chicago to Phoenix Route Details
This is a table that lists the Amtrak routes that operate from Chicago to Phoenix.
| Aspect | Southwest Chief Route | Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited Route |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Route | Chicago → Southwest Chief → Flagstaff, AZ → Bus to Phoenix | Chicago → Texas Eagle → San Antonio, TX → Sunset Limited → Maricopa, AZ → Bus to Phoenix |
| Train Numbers | Train 3 (Southwest Chief) | Train 21 (Texas Eagle) → Train 1 (Sunset Limited) |
| Departure Station | Chicago Union Station (CHI) | Chicago Union Station (CHI) |
| Arrival Station | Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport or Central Phoenix | Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport or Central Phoenix |
| Total Distance | 1,407 miles (train) | 2,067 miles (train: Chicago→San Antonio→Maricopa) |
| Frequency | Daily | Texas Eagle: Daily; Sunset Limited: Tri-weekly (departs San Antonio on Sun/Wed/Fri) |
| Key Train Stops | Kansas City, MO; La Junta, CO; Albuquerque, NM; Flagstaff, AZ | St. Louis, MO; Little Rock, AR; Dallas, TX; San Antonio, TX; Tucson, AZ; Maricopa, AZ |
| Transfer Location | Flagstaff, AZ (Amtrak Station) → Bus to Phoenix (~2h 15m) | Maricopa, AZ (Amtrak Station) → Bus to Phoenix (~1h) |
| Coach Class | Reclining seats, footrests, tray tables | Reclining seats, footrests, tray tables |
| Wi-Fi Availability | Available in some areas (limited connectivity) | Available in some areas (limited connectivity) |
| Pet Policy | Small pets allowed in carriers (advance reservation; $29 fee) | Small pets allowed in carriers (advance reservation; $29 fee) |
| Booking Tips | Book early for lower sleeper fares on Amtrak Official Website. | Check Sunset Limited’s tri-weekly schedule; layovers in San Antonio may require overnight stays |
Amtrak Routes Chicago to Phoenix
The following table lists the main information about the Amtrak routes from Chicago to Phoenix:
| Route Segment | Starting Point | Destination | Approximate Duration | Service Class Options | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Chief (Train) | Chicago Union Station | Flagstaff Station | 33 hours | Coach, Business, Sleeper Classes | Stunning views of Midwest plains, Southwest deserts, and historical landmarks along the way. |
| Chicago to Flagstaff (Train) | Chicago | Flagstaff | 33 hours | Spacious seating, private rooms, dining | Immersive train journey with dining options and an unforgettable scenic experience across multiple states. |
| Flagstaff to Phoenix (Bus) | Flagstaff | Phoenix | 3 hours | Air-conditioned comfort, large windows | Convenient travel linking the train station to Phoenix, with lovely Southwest scenery. |
| Complete Route | Chicago | Phoenix | 36 hours total | Various classes (train); Standard bus | An integrated travel option combining Amtrak’s railway excellence and its bus services for connectivity. |
Amtrak Chicago to Phoenix Schedule
This table lists all of the important stops on the Southwest Chief route from Chicago to Maricopa on the Amtrak trip from Chicago to Phoenix.
| Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL (Union Station) | — | 2:50 PM | Illinois |
| Naperville, IL | 3:34 PM | 3:36 PM | Illinois |
| Mendota, IL | 4:24 PM | 4:26 PM | Illinois |
| Princeton, IL | 4:45 PM | 4:47 PM | Illinois |
| Galesburg, IL | 5:38 PM | 5:43 PM | Illinois |
| Fort Madison, IA | 6:33 PM | 6:38 PM | Iowa |
| La Plata, MO | 8:06 PM | 8:08 PM | Missouri |
| Kansas City, MO | 10:00 PM | 10:11 PM | Missouri |
| Topeka, KS | 11:49 PM | 11:54 PM | Kansas |
| Lawrence, KS | 12:26 AM | 12:28 AM | Kansas |
| Newton, KS | 2:28 AM | 2:52 AM | Kansas |
| Hutchinson, KS | 3:34 AM | 3:36 AM | Kansas |
| Dodge City, KS | 5:24 AM | 5:29 AM | Kansas |
| Garden City, KS | 6:39 AM | 6:44 AM | Kansas |
| Lamar, CO | 8:36 AM | 8:38 AM | Colorado |
| La Junta, CO | 9:48 AM | 10:08 AM | Colorado |
| Trinidad, CO | 11:18 AM | 11:21 AM | Colorado |
| Raton, NM | 12:20 PM | 12:50 PM | New Mexico |
| Las Vegas, NM | 2:41 PM | 2:43 PM | New Mexico |
| Lamy, NM | 3:32 PM | 3:34 PM | New Mexico |
| Albuquerque, NM | 4:27 PM | 4:38 PM | New Mexico |
| Gallup, NM | 7:11 PM | 7:16 PM | New Mexico |
| Winslow, AZ | 8:48 PM | 8:50 PM | Arizona |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 9:57 PM | 10:07 PM | Arizona |
| Williams Junction, AZ (CLOSED)* | — | — | Arizona |
| Kingman, AZ | 12:52 AM | 12:59 AM | Arizona |
| Needles, CA | 2:49 AM | 2:51 AM | California |
| Maricopa, AZ | 5:40 AM | — | Arizona |
Amtrak Chicago to Phoenix Ticket Price
There is no direct train link between Chicago and Phoenix provided by Amtrak. From Chicago’s Union Station, passengers usually board the Southwest Chief train to Maricopa, Arizona, and then take a bus or shuttle to Phoenix.
| Segment | Service | Estimated Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Maricopa, AZ | Amtrak Southwest Chief | $136 – $244 cite turn0search5 | Prices vary based on booking time, class, and availability. |
| Maricopa, AZ to Phoenix, AZ | Amtrak Thruway Bus | Approximately $46 cite turn0 search0 | Limited schedule; operates on specific days. |
| Total Estimated Cost | — | $182 – $290 | Combined cost of train and bus segments. |
Amenities of Amtrak Chicago to Phoenix
- Spacious Seating: Comfortable, reclining seats with plenty of legroom, perfect for long journeys.
- Private Roomettes: Options for privacy and additional comfort, with beds for overnight travel.
- Onboard Dining: Access to a dining car offering meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the journey.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on select segments of the journey.
- Power Outlets: Convenient charging points at every seat for your electronic devices.
- Generous Baggage Allowance: Amtrak provides free checked baggage services and ample storage for carry-ons.
- Accessible Facilities: Wheelchair accessibility and other services to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
Amtrak Chicago to Phoenix Booking Tips
- Plan Early: Book your tickets well in advance to secure the best fares and preferred seating or private rooms.
- Flexibility is Key: Be open to traveling on less busy days or times to find lower ticket prices.
- Use Amtrak’s Website/App: Check schedules, fares, and availability directly on Amtrak’s official website or mobile app for convenience.
- Check for Discounts: Explore special deals for seniors, students, military personnel, or groups traveling together.
- Bundle Your Trip: Consider purchasing multi-segment tickets (train + bus) to cover the entire Chicago to Phoenix route.
- Monitor Promotions: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, flash discounts, or loyalty programs on Amtrak’s website.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable sleeper car or more affordable coach seats, taking an Amtrak train from Chicago to Phoenix offers a unique way to see America’s deserts and heartland. This route promises adventure and relaxation. For real-time schedules and reservations, visit Amtrak’s official website and begin planning your Southwest rail trip right now!
The Best Routes on Amtrak
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Amtrak Union Station to Los Angeles
- Amtrak Los Angeles to California
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Albuquerque
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Houston
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Tucson
- Amtrak Boston to Washington
- Amtrak New York to Washington
FAQs for Amtrak Chicago to Phoenix
No, Amtrak does not provide direct train service to Phoenix. Passengers travel to Maricopa, AZ, and then use connecting services to reach Phoenix.
The journey takes approximately 32 hours.
Passengers can use Amtrak’s Thruway Bus Service, which connects Maricopa to various locations in the Phoenix area.
Schedules are available on Amtrak’s official website.
Coach class fares start at approximately $136, with higher fares for sleeper accommodations.
Tickets can be booked through Amtrak’s official website or by contacting customer service.