We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
There are 2 daily trains from Macomb to Chicago. Traveling by train from Macomb to Chicago usually takes around 3 hours and 32 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 186 mi (300 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 32m |
| Lowest price | $24.85 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carl Sandburg |
| Train lines | 2 |
Overall score for trains from Macomb to Chicago
(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Got to my destination and wasn't horribly expensive to get there. Cons: The coach seats need to be more comfortable for the travel time.
5.0
Pros: I love the journey. Cons: NA. Tips: I advise other travelers to made their next journey with this.
5.0
Pros: So much more relaxing than driving in city traffic. Cons: Can't think of any needed improvments.
Over the past month, a train ticket between Macomb and Chicago cost $34.26, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 20 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $12.26 more.
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Macomb to Chicago will vary between C$29 and C$72. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Macomb over the next 7 days is C$30. 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.
Since ticket prices on this route stay pretty consistent, you don’t need to book way in advance. However, we recommend buying your train ticket to Chicago at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to prevent any unpleasant surprises, like last-minute surges in price or sold-out tickets.
2 train services operate from Macomb to Chicago. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carl Sandburg | 1 | 3h 32m | $34.33 |
| Amtrak Illinois Zephyr | 1 | 3h 32m | $42.40 |
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 Macomb to Chicago 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 distance between Macomb and Chicago is approximately 186 miles, or 300 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 32 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 Macomb to Chicago on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Macomb at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Macomb twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Macomb.
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.
There is one train station in Macomb.
120 E Calhoun St
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more
