5.0
Pros: Everything was good. Cons: Toilets in the washrooms. Tips: Wanderu is great for prices and services.
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There are usually 7 daily bus trips from Chicago to Topeka.
Bus | Train | |
---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$144.49 | Avg. Price$137.67 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration20h 39m | Duration13h 20m |
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Chicago and Topeka. The average train journey from Chicago to Topeka takes 13 hours and 22 minutes, but some Amtrak Southwest Chief train trips are as short as 9 hours and 36 minutes.
Distance | 466 mi (750 km) |
Fastest train | 9h 36m |
Lowest price | $96.99 |
Trains per day | 1 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from Chicago to Topeka
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Everything was good. Cons: Toilets in the washrooms. Tips: Wanderu is great for prices and services.
The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to Topeka is $114.29, By booking your trip at least 29 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 $51.92 more.
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Topeka is expected to fluctuate between $108 and $217 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Topeka in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Chicago is $111.
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Topeka on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $51.92 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
2 train services operate from Chicago to Topeka. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 2 | 15h 17m | $140.15 |
Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 9h 36m | $124.99 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Topeka every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $110.
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 Topeka in about 9 hours and 36 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.
The distance between Chicago and Topeka is approximately 466 miles, or 750 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 36 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 Chicago to Topeka on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Topeka. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Topeka to 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.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionThe 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.
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Topeka has one train station.
500 SE Holliday Pl
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