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Trains from Chicago to Springfield

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Chicago - Springfield Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 45 daily trains from Chicago to Springfield. Traveling by train from Chicago to Springfield usually takes around 16 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in 3 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance179 mi (288 km)
Fastest train3h 5m
Lowest price$24.52
Trains per day6
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Springfield

(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Karen

April 14, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: It good. Cons: Good. Tips: Good.

Pros: It good. Cons: Good. Tips: Good.

5.0

DR GREGG

March 14, 2022- Business

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: The Inspector checking the correctness of passengers' tickets was engaging when I comes around when new passages come in as some others disembark. Actually, if I was the one I will not speak to the commuters at all other than demand for their proof of payment or ...

Pros: The Inspector checking the correctness of passengers' tickets was engaging when I comes around when new passages come in as some others disembark. Actually, if I was the one I will not speak to the commuters at all other than demand for their proof of payment or at least say Good morning first. But this man was so good and so so friendly with us all. Cons: Nothing. Tips: enjoy your ride but keep your ticket handy or nearby for the Inspector.

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5.0

Maria

February 25, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: Easy to navigate. Cons: Map of the station. Tips: Book and enjoy your trip!

Pros: Easy to navigate. Cons: Map of the station. Tips: Book and enjoy your trip!

5.0

Brenda

August 8, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: Not having to drive. After my first train ride 15 years ago, I fell in love with just sitting back and relaxing. Cons: Cheaper prices in the dinner car. Offer passages a bottle of water. Tips: Be on time. I'm always there 30 to 45 minutes early.

Pros: Not having to drive. After my first train ride 15 years ago, I fell in love with just sitting back and relaxing. Cons: Cheaper prices in the dinner car. Offer passages a bottle of water. Tips: Be on time. I'm always there 30 to 45 minutes early.

5.0

Carolyn

August 13, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: It was a smooth ride and relaxing. Cons: The seat didn’t have the best support on my back. Tips: Make sure you have all your belongings as get off the train. (I left a book in the netted pocket).

Pros: It was a smooth ride and relaxing. Cons: The seat didn’t have the best support on my back. Tips: Make sure you have all your belongings as get off the train. (I left a book in the netted pocket).

Train service from Chicago to Springfield

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

In the last month, $100.70 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Springfield. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 20 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $51.78 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$213$142$71MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Springfield will vary between C$101 and C$209. Planning a train trip to Springfield within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is C$102. 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

$97$77$58$39$19JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Springfield by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$32 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Springfield in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$88 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$129$103$77$52$263020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Springfield from Chicago will be about C$51.78 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Springfield?

There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Springfield. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 39 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak3919h 49m$138.46
Amtrak Lincoln Service43h 10m$32.66
Amtrak Texas Eagle13h 20m$45.10
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 39 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Springfield every day, as well as 17 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $25.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Lincoln Service

    Amtrak Lincoln Service

    Amtrak Lincoln Service is part of Amtrak's Illinois Service, providing rail transportation throughout Illinois. The Lincoln Service travels 284 miles between St. Louis and Chicago with nine intermediate stops. Amtrak Lincoln trains offer WiFi connectivity, power outlets, business class seating, and a cafe car to ensure passengers have the most comfortable journey possible.

  • Amtrak Texas Eagle

    Amtrak Texas Eagle

    The Amtrak Texas Eagle is a 1,306-mile train route from Chicago, Illinois to San Antonio, Texas. Because of the route’s length, the train offers sleeper car options in addition to standard coach seats. Like most Amtrak trains, the Texas Eagle features power outlets at each seat, restrooms in each car, and a cafe car where passengers can purchase food and drinks. A journey from Chicago to Springfield on the Texas Eagle usually takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, which is best spent enjoying the incredible scenery along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Springfield during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Springfield?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Springfield. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Springfield?

The distance between Chicago and Springfield is approximately 179 miles, or 288 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 5 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Chicago to Springfield are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Chicago at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Chicago to Springfield?

There are 45 scheduled trains on most days. 6 of these are direct connections to Springfield. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Springfield 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?

200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway - CLEAMT-0

Image credit: Ted Eytan

Link to image attribution

Departure stations

The Amtrak Station on Cleveland Memorial Shoreway is directly adjacent to the NFL Browns’ FirstEnergy Stadium and the expansive Lake Erie beyond. Pro tip: sit on the North side of the train to catch a glimpse of the lake on your way out of town! This station is a stop for Amtrak’s Capitol Limited line from DC to Chicago and the Lake Shore Limited line from Chicago to New York City or Boston. Cleveland’s local Rapid Transit Waterfront Line also serves this station for service within the city. In the immediate area surrounding the station, you’ll find the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, and several hotels and restaurants for convenience during your travels.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

  • Penn Station

  • Union Station

  • Van Galder Bus Office

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • Union Station

  • 2702 W Washington St

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • Airport - 5601 S 6th St

  • 1116 Depot St

  • 401 S Illinois Ave

  • Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

  • Central Station - 545 S Main St

  • 350 S Illinois St

Where is the train station in Springfield?

Arrival stations

Springfield has one train station.

Train stations in Springfield:

  • 100 N Third St

Related reading

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