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Cheap train tickets from St Louis to Chicago

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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St Louis to Chicago Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from St Louis to Chicago?

There are usually 9 daily bus trips from St Louis to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$81.79
Avg. Price
$79.63
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
9
Daily Trips
6
Duration
Duration
9h 51m
Duration
6h 45m

Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from St Louis to Chicago. Traveling by train from St Louis to Chicago usually takes 5 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in 4 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance262 mi (422 km)
Fastest train4h 55m
Lowest price$38.73
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines3

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from St Louis to Chicago

(Based on 75 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Jesse

December 20, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: Smooth. Cons: Wanderu Didn’t need to pretend to tax me. Tips: None.

5.0

Helena

November 19, 2024- Business

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Cons: No utilice el servicio. Tips: Utilisar el servicio.

5.0

Anne

November 6, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: The space and comfort of the seats! Cons: Cleaner bathrooms Quieter announcements of stops Temperature of cars could be warmer. Tips: Enjoy the ride!!!

5.0

sherri

October 27, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: I enjoy riding the train to Chicago from St. Louis. I enjoy the atmosphere; comfort and freedom to walk from one car to another. Tips: Please enjoy the ride. Respect others by not talking on your phone the entire trip. They may be relaxing, reading or simply enjoying the train experience.

4.0

Victor Jose

September 17, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: Good. Cons: Good. Tips: Good.

St Louis to Chicago Route Map

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

Over the past month, the average train ticket price from St. Louis to Chicago was $58.55. Ensure the most cost-effective travel experience by booking your trip a minimum of 29 days in advance. Waiting until the last minute may mean an additional expense of around $42.57.

Average train ticket prices from St Louis to Chicago by travel date

$108$72$36FebFeb

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Louis to Chicago will cost between $56 and $108. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from St Louis to Chicago by month

$108$86$65$43$22MAMJJASONDJF
In the next 30 days, a one-way train from St. Louis to Chicago will cost between $56 and $108. Ensure a budget-friendly journey by booking your tickets in advance to avoid potential price increases closer to your travel date.

Prices as travel date approaches

$143$115$86$57$293020100

By booking your train trip from St Louis to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $42.57 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from St Louis to Chicago?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak27h 42m$102.35
Amtrak Lincoln Service35h 2m$59.90
Amtrak Texas Eagle15h 34m$114.90

  • 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 St Louis to Chicago every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $39.

  • 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 St Louis to Chicago on the Texas Eagle usually takes 5 hours and 34 minutes, which is best spent enjoying the incredible scenery along the way.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Louis to Chicago

There are 5 trains per day that go from St. Louis to Chicago, serviced by 2 different Amtrak lines: the Amtrak Lincoln Service and the Amtrak Texas Eagle.
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from St Louis to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between St Louis and Chicago is approximately 262 miles, or 422 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 55 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 St Louis to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs St Louis at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Chicago. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

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

City Information

St Louis

St. Louis, MO - STL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis, MO - STL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis, MO - STL-2

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.

Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.

Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.

The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the center of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.

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 St Louis?

Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St - STLAMT-0

Image credit: Chris Yunker

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.

All train stations in St Louis:

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th 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: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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