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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Lincoln to Normal. The train trip from Lincoln to Normal is usually about 16 hours and 54 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 15 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 404 mi (650 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 58m |
| Lowest price | $88.19 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Lincoln to Normal?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Lincoln to Normal. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 16h 54m | $88.19 |
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 Lincoln to Normal every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $88.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Lincoln and Normal is approximately 404 miles, or 650 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 58 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 Lincoln to Normal on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Lincoln at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00am. 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 Lincoln 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 Normal to Lincoln.
City Information
Lincoln
Image credit: Unsplash
Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and is known as Nebraska's political hub, culture center, and foodie haven. It's home to the Nebraska State Capitol, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and other historical attractions.
The Sunken Gardens is a top place to visit for outdoor fun, with lily ponds, themed gardens, and sculptures. Young families will enjoy visiting the Lincoln Children's Zoo, offering a zoo train and up-close animal encounters. On the University of Nebraska Campus, art lovers can check the Sheldon Museum of Art for its notable sculpture garden and American art collection.
As the capital of Nebraska, Lincoln is bustling with nightlife and many fun things to do. You can participate in different activities, from the Lincoln Escape Room and Zoo Bar to the Bourbon Theater and James Arthur Vineyards. The craft beer scene in Lincoln is bustling with taprooms, breweries, and bars. Zipline Brewing Co is one of the city's most popular craft artisan lagers and ales.
Amtrak provides train service to the city, while Jefferson Lines and Burlington Trailways offer buses. StarTran provides citywide transportation to those in Lincoln.
Normal
Normal is a town in North Bloomington, adjacent to Bloomington. The town got its unique name in 1865 from the Illinois State Normal University, a normal school that is a teacher-training institution. Normal features the Children's Discovery Museum, Illinois State University Planetarium and Carden Park for children, and the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History for history buffs. If you're interested in exploring the outdoors, you can take a walk on the Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary or Constitution Trail or play on the Ironwood Golf Course. Sports lovers can also check out the Redbird Arena, where basketball games are held.
Normal features a vibrant entertainment scene with different breweries and beer halls. You can participate in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival or watch shows at the Normal Theater. Normal also has a vineyard and wine bars, with most activities available in Uptown Normal, the micro-urban city center. The Uptown area has different entertainment venues, dining, and retail establishments.
You can visit Normal, Illinois, by train or bus. The city is accessible from many other cities by train, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and Amtrak Lincoln Service. As for the bus lines, you can access the city from over 80 other cities onboard buses from Jefferson Lines, Amtrak Thruway, and Burlington Trailways.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Lincoln?
Main departure station: 277 Pinnacle Arena Dr
There is one train station in Lincoln.
All train stations in Lincoln:
277 Pinnacle Arena Dr
Where is the train station in Normal?
Main arrival station: Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
Normal has one train station.
Train stations in Normal:
Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
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