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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Rockford and Springfield. The average train journey from Rockford to Springfield takes 23 hours and 44 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 22 hours and 59 minutes.
| Distance | 844 mi (1358 km) |
| Fastest train | 22h 59m |
| Lowest price | $165.64 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Rockford to Springfield?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Rockford to Springfield. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 23h 44m | $165.64 |
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 Rockford to Springfield every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $166.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Rockford and Springfield is approximately 844 miles, or 1358 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours and 59 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.
Trains from Rockford to Springfield are the most crowded on Monday. 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.
The earliest train departs Rockford at 4:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 Rockford twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Springfield to Rockford.
City Information
Rockford
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.
Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.
Springfield
Image credit: Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos
Link to image attributionFounded in 1636 as the first Springfield in North America, this city sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. Perhaps best known as the birthplace of basketball, Springfield is a mecca for b-ball fans. Visitors can enjoy three levels of exhibits and interactive contests at the famous Basketball Hall of Fame.
Along with basketball, Springfield was also the birthplace of the immensely popular children's author, Theodore Geisel—more commonly known as Dr. Seuss. Enjoy a walk through the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden to see many of his most famous characters immortalized in bronze. History buffs should head to the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, highlighting the town's important role as an arsenal during the Revolutionary War.
Springfield's central location between major tourist destinations like NYC, Boston, and the Berkshires means that it can be reached easily by most modes of transport. The city is served by several Amtrak lines and Peter Pan and Greyhound buses. Bradley International Airport and Westover Metropolitan Airport are also closeby, with frequent flights from destinations around the country.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Rockford?
Main departure station: Van Galder Bus Office
The Van Galder Bus Office is located just off Interstate 51 in Rockford, Illinois. Although the bus stop doesn't have much in terms of amenities, it's in a resting area for road trips and buses. Grab coffee at the Starbucks, food at Burger King, or stay overnight in the Garden Inn just across the street. The terminal, which is operated by Van Galder Buses, services buses that run between Rockford and Madison, as well as Chicago O'Hare Airport and Union Station in downtown Chicago. Within the station building, there's a waiting room for you to enjoy your latte or burger, and a ticket kiosk if you have any questions about your trip.
All train stations in Rockford:
Van Galder Bus Office
Where is the train station in Springfield?
Image credit: Katherine Johnson
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Union Station Transportation Center
Union Station is an iconic landmark in Springfield that just finished renovations in 2016- meaning you get the historic charm plus modern AC. Original features include the impressive entrance clock, wooden train schedule, and terrazzo flooring. You may stop at Union Station on Amtrak or Northeast Regional. Or, if you're commuting locally, you may transfer to the CTrail Hartford Line. Greyhound and Peter Pan provide bus services to the area as well, with connections across New England. Since the station operates with so many carriers, the waiting area has plenty of space and seating, ticket kiosks, and plenty of snack options like Dunkin Donuts and Subway.
Train stations in Springfield:
Union Station Transportation Center
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