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Cheap train tickets from Columbia to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Columbia to Chicago. Travelling by train from Columbia to Chicago usually takes 1 day, 5 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 1 day, 5 hours and 23 minutes.
- Distance
- 652 mi (1049 km)
- Fastest train
- 29h 23m
- Lowest price
- $235.79
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Floridian
- Train lines
- 1
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Columbia to Chicago Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Columbia to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Columbia to Chicago?
In the last month, train tickets from Columbia to Chicago cost about $236 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $178.59 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Columbia to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Columbia to Chicago will cost between $202 and $638. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Columbia to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Columbia to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $282. If you're thinking of travelling from Columbia to Chicago during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $498 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Columbia to Chicago on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about $178.59 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Columbia to Chicago?
Amtrak Floridian is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Chicago. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 29h 26m | $327.29 |
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Columbia to Chicago start from $235.79, and on average cost $327.29. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Chicago. Amtrak Floridian in Columbia leaves from 850 Pulaski St. And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station.
From Columbia to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 1 day, 5 hours and 26 minutes. If you are looking to get to Chicago faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 day, 5 hours and 23 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Chicago on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $235.79 for a one-way weekend reservation from Columbia.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Columbia to Chicago
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Columbia.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
The distance between Columbia and Chicago is approximately 1,049 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 5 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 5 hours and 23 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)
652
Distance (km)
1049
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia at 4:22 a.m. and arrives in Chicago around 29 hours later.
First train
4:22am
Last train
4:22am
Trains from Columbia to Chicago 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 travelling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
Columbia
As the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia offers plenty of historic attractions and exciting activities that will keep tourists of all ages satisfied. Sitting at the heart of the city is the South Carolina State Museum, which boasts the most impressive collection of permanent and changing exhibits in the state, as well as in the Southeast. One of the top highlights of the museum is its amazing planetarium that has a height of 55 feet. If you are travelling with kids, EdVenture should certainly be on your list. The museum’s prime attraction is a giant 10-year-old with his own fake digestive tracts and vertebrae, allowing kids to explore anatomy with ease. Nature lovers should not miss out on the chance to enjoy an outdoor day at Lake Murray, which features a vast range of activities such as boating, fishing, paddling, etc.
Columbia features an exciting food scene that is brimming with new talents. For an amazing lunch, The Gourmet Shop and their famous chicken salad will be a great choice. If you wish to enjoy a dinner with wine, Lula Drake is the place to be.
Columbia’s principal bus station is located 710-A Buckner Rd on the outskirts of the city. The main Amtrak train station is located on Pulaski St in the heart of downtown near the University of South Carolina campus. Columbia is served by Amtrak’s Silver Service line. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the main airport and it is located five miles southwest of the city.
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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, 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 Columbia?
Main departure station: 850 Pulaski St
The Columbia Amtrak Station at 850 Pulaski St is the only train station in Columbia, SC. The station is served by the Amtrak Silver Star train, which travels from New York City to Miami. Built in 1991, the Columbia Station is a steel structure located three miles from the city's downtown area and not far from the University of South Carolina campus. It offers an indoor waiting area, an information kiosk, and washrooms. The station was moved to the current Pulaski Street site from Gervais Street, where the former red-brick Seaboard Air Line and Amtrak station stood.
All train stations in Columbia:
- 850 Pulaski St
Where is the train station in Chicago?
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.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Columbia?
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