Cheap train tickets from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL. Travelling by train from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL usually takes 3 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 14 minutes.

Distance
179 mi (288 km)
Fastest train
3h 14m
Lowest price
$28.53
Trains per day
5
Most frequent service
Amtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines
3

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL Train Schedule

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

There are usually 5 daily bus trips from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$93.37Avg. Price$81.88Cheaper
Daily Trips5Daily Trips5
Duration3h 24mFasterDuration5h 9m
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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL (Based on 22 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Emma

October 4, 2024 - Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service
Pros: The trains punctuality was impressive. I liked the organization of staff and signs at Union Station. It made it easy to navigate where it's not normally. Cons: I wish you offered student discounts. Tips: Don't be afraid to ask for help, the staff is knowledgeable. Give yourself plenty of time to get from point A to point B. Even if everything is on time it can take longer than expected.

4.0

Adrian

May 30, 2023 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Texas Eagle
Pros: Good staff Cons: Obviously being an hour behind schedule wasn't great, nor was the fact that there was no WiFi.

5.0

Shelbra

February 6, 2023 - Business

Amtrak Lincoln Service
Pros: Everything Cons: Everything was good Tips: No

4.0

San San

January 1, 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service
Pros: Good deal and safety Cons: That would be grate Tips: Not other

5.0

Mike

November 29, 2022 - Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service
Pros: Very comfy, was happy to hear they served food. Cons: Nothing, appreciate yall!
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What is the price of a train ticket from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL was $28.53. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $95.06 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL by travel date

$150$100$50OctOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL will cost between $36 and $144. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL by month

$150$120$90$60$30JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $67. If you're thinking of travelling from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $126 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$2501020

By booking your train trip from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about $95.06 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13h 14m$76.16
Amtrak Lincoln Service33h 17m$63.53
Amtrak Texas Eagle13h 46m$167.40
  • 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 Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $34.23.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu
  • 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 Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL on the Texas Eagle usually takes 3 hours and 46 minutes, which is best spent enjoying the incredible scenery along the way.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL

There are 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL for $47.

Trains per day

5

Direct trains

5

The distance between Springfield, IL and Chicago, IL is approximately 179 miles, or 288 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 14 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.

Distance (mi)

179

Distance (km)

288

The earliest train departs Springfield, IL at 6:11am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:24pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

6:11am

Last train

7:24pm

Trains from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Saturday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Springfield

Springfield, IL, US - SPI-0

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.

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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 Springfield, IL?

Main departure station: 100 N Third St

There is one train station in Springfield, IL.

All train stations in Springfield, IL:

  • 100 N Third St

Where is the train station in Chicago, IL?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0CHIUST-2

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, IL:

  • Union Station

Need a return trip from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL?

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