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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Ottumwa to Helper per day. The average train journey from Ottumwa to Helper takes 25 hours and 56 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 974 mi (1567 km) |
| Fastest train | 25h 56m |
| Lowest price | $217.73 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak California Zephyr |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Ottumwa to Helper?
Amtrak California Zephyr is the one and only train line which connects Ottumwa to Helper. 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 | 1d 1h 56m | $217.73 |
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 Ottumwa and Helper is approximately 974 miles, or 1567 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 56 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 Ottumwa to Helper on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday 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 Ottumwa at 6:00pm and arrives in Helper around 25 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Helper 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 Helper to Ottumwa.
City Information
Station Information
Where is the train station in Ottumwa?
Main departure station: 210 W Main St
There is one train station in Ottumwa.
All train stations in Ottumwa:
210 W Main St
Where is the train station in Helper?
Main arrival station: 1 Depot St
Helper has one train station.
Train stations in Helper:
1 Depot St
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Need a return trip from Helper to Ottumwa?
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