Already dreaming of your next getaway? Amtrak’s Winter Wanderlust Sale is offering up to 30% off the Flex fare on select routes nationwide—and Chicago travelers have a couple of tempting options.
One-way Coach fares start at $28 to St. Louis and $128 to Los Angeles, with travel available from December 1, 2026, through March 14, 2027, excluding blackout dates. The catch? You’ll need to book by Thursday, November 12.
Where can you go from Chicago?
Amtrak is advertising these sample one-way Coach fares:
- Chicago to St. Louis: from $28.
- Chicago to Los Angeles: from $128.
Those are “as low as” prices, not guaranteed fares for every departure. Availability depends on your train and travel date, and sale seats are limited.
For an all-out rail adventure, the Southwest Chief connects Chicago and Los Angeles via stops including Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. Leave plenty of room in your itinerary: Amtrak lists the journey at more than 40 hours, making it for travelers who want to settle in and enjoy the ride rather than rush to their destination.
The sale goes well beyond those two sample fares. Eligible trains include the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, City of New Orleans, Texas Eagle, Cardinal, Wolverine, Blue Water, Pere Marquette, and Borealis, among others. Use the fare finder on the Winter Wanderlust Sale page to check your route and dates.
When can you travel?
The sale applies to eligible trips from December 1, 2026, through March 14, 2027, with two blackout periods:
- December 18, 2026–January 3, 2027.
- February 12–15, 2027.
Read the fine print before you book
These discounted tickets come with some important restrictions:
- Changes are not permitted.
- You can cancel before departure, but a 50% cancellation fee applies.
- The offer applies to Coach and Acela Business fares—not private rooms.
- It is valid for all passenger types but cannot be combined with other discount offers.
- Sale seats may not be available on every train, date, or departure.
In other words, line up your plans—and your travel companions—before you commit.
How to book
Head to Amtrak’s Winter Wanderlust Sale page, enter your route and dates in the fare finder, and book by November 12. Check the fare and restrictions for your selected departure before completing your purchase.
And if your ideal train trip involves a book and something warm to sip, check your train’s amenities first: Amtrak notes that café service is available only on select trains and routes.
