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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Hartford to Normal. Traveling by train from Hartford to Normal usually takes around 31 hours, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 29 hours and 16 minutes.
| Distance | 852 mi (1370 km) |
| Fastest train | 29h 16m |
| Lowest price | $270.09 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Hartford to Normal?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Hartford to Normal. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 1d 7h 0m | $270.09 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from Hartford to Normal every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $233.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Hartford and Normal is approximately 852 miles, or 1370 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 31 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 29 hours and 16 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Hartford to Normal. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Hartford at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Normal to Hartford.
City Information
Hartford
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut, and a New England destination with literary attractions, charming parks, and engaging activities for families.
The homes of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe, both in Hartford, have been turned into museums to learn more about these authors and their lives. If you prefer Edward Cullen to Tom Sawyer, you may appreciate that a more contemporary literary giant, Stephenie Meyer, was born in Hartford too.
The Elizabeth Park Conservancy is a spread of formal gardens and grounds where you can walk, picnic, and catch outdoor concerts or tours. Kids will love the antique carousel in Bushnell Park, as well as the hands-on exhibits at the Connecticut Science Center. For those who prefer to wander through cute downtowns, West Hartford offers some of the best shopping in the area.
With a large nearby airport, and many intercity bus and train services providing access to hubs like Boston and New York, getting to Hartford is about as easy as a walk in Bushnell Park.
Normal
Normal is a town in North Bloomington, adjacent to Bloomington. The town got its unique name in 1865 from the Illinois State Normal University, a normal school that is a teacher-training institution. Normal features the Children's Discovery Museum, Illinois State University Planetarium and Carden Park for children, and the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History for history buffs. If you're interested in exploring the outdoors, you can take a walk on the Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary or Constitution Trail or play on the Ironwood Golf Course. Sports lovers can also check out the Redbird Arena, where basketball games are held.
Normal features a vibrant entertainment scene with different breweries and beer halls. You can participate in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival or watch shows at the Normal Theater. Normal also has a vineyard and wine bars, with most activities available in Uptown Normal, the micro-urban city center. The Uptown area has different entertainment venues, dining, and retail establishments.
You can visit Normal, Illinois, by train or bus. The city is accessible from many other cities by train, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and Amtrak Lincoln Service. As for the bus lines, you can access the city from over 80 other cities onboard buses from Jefferson Lines, Amtrak Thruway, and Burlington Trailways.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Hartford?
Image credit: Philip Stanulis
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Union Station - 1 Union Pl
Union Station is a historic bus and train station located in the downtown area of Hartford, CT. Built in 1889, the station serves as the main stop in Hartford for all four Amtrak train lines that pass through the city, including the Northeast Regional, the Vermonter and the Valley Flyer, as well as the Hartford Line commuter train. Union Station is also used by bus carriers Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines as their main bus stop in Downtown Hartford. The station is easily accessible from all parts of the city and its surrounding areas through a variety of local and express transit bus lines. At Hartford’s Union Station, you will find some fast food options and vending machines, as well as restrooms and a waiting area.
All train stations in Hartford:
Union Station - 1 Union Pl
Where is the train station in Normal?
Main arrival station: Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
Normal has one train station.
Train stations in Normal:
Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
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