Lowest Prices
We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Burlington - Chicago Train Schedule
- Sun,
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Thu,
- Fri,
- Sat
- Sun,
- Tue
Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Burlington to Chicago. The train trip from Burlington to Chicago is usually about 4 hours and 12 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak California Zephyr train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 11 minutes.
| Distance | 195 mi (314 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 11m |
| Lowest price | $35.89 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak California Zephyr |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Burlington to Chicago?
The average price for a train ticket from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL is $35.89, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 25 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $54.76 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Burlington to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $50,
If you're thinking of traveling from Burlington to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $80 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Burlington to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 25 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $54.76 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Burlington to Chicago?
Amtrak California Zephyr is the one and only train line which connects Burlington to Chicago. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak California Zephyr | 1 | 4h 12m | $60.69 |
Amtrak’s California Zephyr travels over 2,400 miles to connect Chicago to the San Francisco area. The full journey takes over 50 hours, so many passengers upgrade to a sleeper cabin for added privacy and comfort. The Zephyr is one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes, and the sightseer lounge’s panoramic windows offer the best views of the Rockies, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Great Salt Lake along the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Burlington and Chicago is approximately 195 miles, or 314 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 11 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Burlington to Chicago on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Burlington at 10:00am and arrives in Chicago around 4 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Burlington.
City Information
Burlington
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionBurlington is a city in Iowa, on the border of Illinois. The micropolitan area is popular for the Snake Alley natural amphitheater and the rich heritage of commerce and culture. Art and history lovers can check out the Art Center of Burlington and the Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum. Enjoy hiking and biking at the North Gorge Trail or the skate park, tennis court, outdoor pool, and 16-hole disc golf course at the Dankwardt Memorial Park. Baseball fans will be pleased to check out the Burlington Bees, while families can look out for a wide range of activities at FunCity.
The downtown Burlington area is the best place to visit for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city. You can look out for the Capitol Theater downtown to watch classic and independent films, while the Catfish Bend Casino offers adult fun, accompanied by hotels, chain restaurants, and a spa. Look out for concerts, magic shows, and other activities at the Burlington Memorial Auditorium. At Burlington, you can look out for the Snake Alley Festival of Film held annually.
Burlington has plenty of bus trips from Jefferson Lines. If you're visiting via train, you can find routes provided by Amtrak from over 100 other cities.
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Burlington?
Main departure station: 300 S Main St
There is one train station in Burlington.
All train stations in Burlington:
300 S Main St
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
Train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Chicago to Burlington?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more