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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Springfield

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Chiku

Chicago to Springfield Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Springfield?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips from Chicago to Springfield.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$70.42
Avg. Price
$76.26
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
3
Daily Trips
5
Duration
Duration
4h 33m
Duration
3h 4m

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Springfield. Traveling by train from Chicago to Springfield usually takes 3 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in 2 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance179 mi (288 km)
Fastest train2h 55m
Lowest price$28.07
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines3

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Springfield

(Based on 21 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Ellie

November 25, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Pros: How on time the train was! Cons: Diming the lights would make it more comfortable! Tips: If you have to work/study, plan to download documents/turn offline features on ahead of time because the WIFI is very spotty and poor connection.

5.0

120east119place

August 5, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Nice and quiet. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Take the Amtrak you can rest.

5.0

Shailesh

February 4, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Great

5.0

K'Andre

November 6, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: The available seating. Cons: Lower prices. Tips: Eat before travel.

5.0

Kennetta

October 8, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: That traveling was easy and comfortable. Cons: All seats recline. Tips: No.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to Springfield is $72.85, By booking your trip at least 27 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 $43.55 more.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Springfield by travel date

$211$140$70DecDec

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Springfield will cost between $34 and $191. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Springfield by month

$70$56$42$28$14JFMAMJJASOND
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Springfield. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $44. If you're planning a trip from Chicago to Springfield during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $59 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$140$112$84$56$283020100

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Springfield on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $43.55 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Springfield?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13h 4m$65.59
Amtrak Lincoln Service33h 2m$57.45
Amtrak Texas Eagle13h 16m$156.01
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Springfield every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $28.

  • 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.

  • 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 16 minutes, which is best spent enjoying the incredible scenery along the way.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train 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.
The distance between Chicago and Springfield is approximately 179 miles, or 288 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 55 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from Chicago to Springfield are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Springfield.

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.

Springfield

Springfield, IL, US - SPI-0

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There are 34 cities in America called Springfield, but the state capital of Illinois is one of the most well-known. Beyond Springfield's political clout as a state capital, it is known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln for many years, plus the site of his final resting place. While in town, you can visit President Lincoln's restored home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. An enormous bronze bust of Lincoln outside his tomb features a nose as shiny as a new penny, rubbed by scores of visitors who consider it good luck.

Springfield is one of the state's best destinations thanks to more than just history. Check out the incredible artistry on display in the capitol building's stained glass windows, or discover the dogwoods lining 5 miles of trails in the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Not to mention Springfield's bustling craft beer scene; hit up the city's microbreweries, nano breweries, and craft beer companies like the famous Springfield Beer Company.

It should be no surprise that one of the primary transportation methods to Springfield is called the Lincoln Service. This Amtrak train route stops in Springfield on its way from Chicago to St. Louis, and so does the Amtrak Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago. Amtrak Thruway buses run from Springfield to Peoria, where travelers can connect to further bus destinations.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

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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 Springfield?

Main arrival station: 100 N Third St

Springfield has one train station.

Train stations in Springfield:

  • 100 N Third St

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