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Mendota to Chicago train

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Mendota - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 3 daily trains from Mendota to Chicago. Traveling by train from Mendota to Chicago usually takes around one hour and 44 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carl Sandburg train can make the trip in one hour and 41 minutes.

Distance80 mi (129 km)
Fastest train1h 41m
Lowest price$16.29
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Carl Sandburg
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Mendota to Chicago

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.3

5.0

Joseph

December 11, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Train left on time and actually arrived early. Nice not having to deal with traffic and parking.Fully loaded going to Chicago conductor help find us seats very helpful. Power outlets by all seats to charge equipment. Tips: Be on time.

Pros: Train left on time and actually arrived early. Nice not having to deal with traffic and parking.Fully loaded going to Chicago conductor help find us seats very helpful. Power outlets by all seats to charge equipment. Tips: Be on time.

4.0

Janice

October 7, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Close to home. Cons: Be on time.

Pros: Close to home. Cons: Be on time.

4.0

Janice

September 28, 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Comfortable trip! Cons: More on time!

Pros: Comfortable trip! Cons: More on time!

4.0

Bessie

June 29, 2019- Vacation

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Loved taking the train into Chicago instead of driving. Cons: A little confusing at Union station. Had trouble figuring out where to go to get on the train back to mendota.

Pros: Loved taking the train into Chicago instead of driving. Cons: A little confusing at Union station. Had trouble figuring out where to go to get on the train back to mendota.

Train service from Mendota to Chicago

See more details

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

In the last month, $20.21 was the average price of a train ticket from Mendota to Chicago. 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 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $35.27 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$61$41$20MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Mendota to Chicago will vary between C$19 and C$52. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Mendota over the next 7 days is C$19. 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

$34$27$20$14$7AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Mendota to Chicago by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for February. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$16 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Mendota to Chicago in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$24 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

$68$54$41$27$143020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Mendota will be about C$35.27 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Mendota to Chicago?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11h 51m$264.71
Amtrak Carl Sandburg11h 41m$22.25
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr11h 42m$30.67
Amtrak Southwest Chief11h 52m$31.47

  • 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 Mendota to Chicago every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $265.

  • 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 Mendota 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 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 Mendota to Chicago in about 1 hours and 52 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

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.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

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.

The distance between Mendota and Chicago is approximately 80 miles, or 129 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 41 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Mendota to Chicago on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Mendota at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Mendota to Chicago.

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

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 Mendota?

Main departure station: 783 Main St

There is one train station in Mendota.

All train stations in Mendota:

  • 783 Main St

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Station

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.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

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