5.0
Pros: Nice smooth ride love Amtrak. Cons: Nothing much what more can you want when you used to being on plane. Tips: Enjoy the ride Amtrak the Great.
Cheap train tickets from Ottumwa to Chicago
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Ottumwa to Chicago Train Timetable
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Ottumwa to Chicago. Traveling by train from Ottumwa to Chicago usually takes 8 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 255 mi (410 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 32m |
| Lowest price | £35.66 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak California Zephyr |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Ottumwa to Chicago
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Ottumwa to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Ottumwa to Chicago was £57.33. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £20.84 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Ottumwa to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Ottumwa to Chicago 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 £45,
If you're thinking of traveling from Ottumwa to Chicago during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £63 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Ottumwa to Chicago on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about £20.84 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Ottumwa to Chicago?
2 train services operate from Ottumwa to Chicago. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 12h 37m | £48.68 |
| Amtrak California Zephyr | 1 | 5h 33m | £97.48 |
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 Ottumwa to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £36.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr travels over 2,400 miles to connect Chicago to the San Francisco area. The full journey takes over 50 hours, so many passengers upgrade to a sleeper cabin for added privacy and comfort. The Zephyr is one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes, and the sightseer lounge’s panoramic windows offer the best views of the Rockies, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Great Salt Lake along the route.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Ottumwa to Chicago
The distance between Ottumwa and Chicago is approximately 255 miles, or 410 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 32 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 Ottumwa to Chicago 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 traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Ottumwa at 08:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 09:00. 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 Ottumwa twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Chicago faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Ottumwa.
City Information
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 Ottumwa?
Main departure station: 210 W Main St
There is one train station in Ottumwa.
All train stations in Ottumwa:
210 W Main St
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
Train stations in Chicago:
Union Station
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