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Chicago - Princeton Train Schedule

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fromPLN 120.71

Trip Summary

There are 4 daily trains from Chicago to Princeton. Traveling by train from Chicago to Princeton usually takes around one hour and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in one hour and 42 minutes.

Distance101 mi (163 km)
Fastest train1h 42m
Lowest pricePLN 44.26
Trains per day4
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Carl Sandburg
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Princeton

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Tawny

December 3, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Great trip on train not the bus going to Chicago. Tips: Make sure you get the train not a bus.

5.0

Sidonna

September 16, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

Comfortable

5.0

Marshall

August 23, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Everything went smoothly as usual. Cons: The food in the cafe & the alcohol available could be better. Tips: Highly recommend Amtrak. Rode it several times never any issues. Cheaper than gas.

5.0

Lee Ann

April 11, 2022- Business

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: From Chicago to Princeton was fine. It was on time, smooth and comfortable. Cons: N/A.

5.0

Mya

December 19, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Wifi

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What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Princeton?

In the last month, PLN 85.74 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Princeton. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 14 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around PLN 17.10 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

PLN 121PLN 80PLN 40AprMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Princeton will vary between CPLN 80 and CPLN 117. Planning a train trip to Princeton within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is CPLN 80. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

PLN 201PLN 161PLN 121PLN 80PLN 40MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Princeton. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of PLN 72. If you're planning a trip from Chicago to Princeton during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about PLN 149 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

PLN 201PLN 161PLN 121PLN 80PLN 403020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Princeton from Chicago will be about CPLN 17.10 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Princeton?

There are 4 train lines with service from Chicago to Princeton. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak California Zephyr11h 45mPLN 160.62
Amtrak Carl Sandburg11h 45mPLN 58.46
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr11h 48mPLN 71.54
Amtrak Southwest Chief11h 42mPLN 85.42

  • 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.

  • The Amtrak Carl Sandburg, named after the Pulitzer-winning author, is a sister service to the Illinois Zephyr. Both operate daily services between Chicago and Quincy with additional stops in Naperville and Kewanee. Whether you buy a coach class or business class ticket, you'll have plenty of legroom and complimentary WiFi, plus access to refreshments at the onboard cafe.

  • The Illinois Zephyr is a passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between Quincy and Chicago. Taking the train from Chicago to Princeton is a comfortable option, and tickets on this route cost on average. The Illinois Zephyr and its sister train, the Carl Sandburg, serve one of Amtrak's most popular lines. The train features amenities such as airline-style coach seating, a cafe on board, power outlets, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.

  • The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Chicago to Princeton in about 1 hours and 42 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Chicago and Princeton is approximately 101 miles, or 163 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 42 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains departing from Chicago to Princeton tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 4 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Princeton.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Princeton to Chicago.

City Information

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 Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where is the train station in Princeton?

Main arrival station: 107 Bicentennial Dr

Princeton has one train station.

Train stations in Princeton:

  • 107 Bicentennial Dr

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