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Cheap train tickets from Centralia to Chicago

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Centralia to Chicago Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

5 trains operate daily from Centralia to Chicago. The train trip from Centralia to Chicago is usually about 8 hours and 8 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Illini Service train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 37 minutes.

Distance245 mi (394 km)
Fastest train4h 37m
Lowest price£21.31
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines4

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Centralia to Chicago

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Carlo Nazzareno

3 October 2023- Business

Amtrak Saluki

The train and the seat was very comfortable

5.0

Deborah

19 January 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Very efficient and friendly staff. One concern was that Red Cap staff didn’t make sure I was there upon arrival and left me having to walk to the station carrying my luggage. I’m 73 years old and have COPD. Cons: Amtrak should make sure that those passengers needing assistance are identified and provided with proper assistance in Chicago. Same happened on return trip. Saw 3 Redcap drivers in the terminal just talking to each other and not paying attention to finding people in need. How do I get them to take me to and from the train station in Chicago ? Tips: If there’s WiFi on the train, the password should be announced on the speaker. But don’t count on WiFi being available. Food available was better than other trips I’ve made and prices were reasonable.

5.0

Anthony D.

12 December 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: I Just Enjoy Seeing Southern Illinois Via The Train. Cons: More Food Selections In The Craft Services Car. Tips: No Not Really Just Be Perpared And Stay Alert.

4.0

Caprice

14 August 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: The quiet relaxing ride. Cons: The comfort of the seats. Tips: Enjoy.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Centralia to Chicago was £28.18. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 17 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £21.54.

Average train ticket prices from Centralia to Chicago by travel date

£37£25£12JanJan

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Centralia to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between £25 and £36 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Centralia is £27.

Monthly average prices

£61£49£37£25£12FMAMJJASONDJ
Mark your calendar for August if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Centralia to Chicago. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of £30. If you're planning a trip from Centralia to Chicago during May, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about £43 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

£61£49£37£25£123020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Centralia to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 17 days in advance. That way, you’ll save £21.54 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Centralia to Chicago?

There are 4 train lines with service from Centralia to Chicago. Amtrak is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak213h 16m£28.67
Amtrak City of New Orleans15h 5m£37.92
Amtrak Illini Service14h 37m£31.16
Amtrak Saluki14h 37m£36.30

  • 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 Centralia to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £21.

  • The City of New Orleans is an Amtrak route that runs daily trains from Chicago to New Orleans and vice versa. The City of New Orleans includes a sightseer lounge with panoramic windows for the best views of the five states along the route. Affordable Coach seats cost about for a trip from Centralia to Chicago. However, the City of New Orleans also offers private roomettes and bedrooms for added comfort and luxury (and a higher price). Passengers who book sleeper accommodations will enjoy included meals, and all passengers can stop into the cafe car to purchase meals and snacks.

  • Since 1973, Amtrak's Illini Service has provided reliable train transportation to 11 Illinois cities. The Illini operates as an evening commuter train from Chicago to Carbondale, while its sister train, the Amtrak Saluki, runs the morning route. Commuters rely on this service as a safe and convenient transportation option every day. Each train offers WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating. Illini trains meet the highest federal standard for reducing emissions, with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Since its inception in 2006, the Amtrak Saluki line has offered daily train trips between Chicago and Carbondale. The Amtrak Saluki operates along 500 kilometers of railroad, stopping at numerous midwestern towns like Kankakee, Rantoul, and Effingham. The trains on this line are equipped with onboard WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning, and a cafe car, with the option to upgrade to business class seating. This line is known for using trains that produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than other trains, meaning that your trip is green as well as convenient.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Centralia to Chicago

The distance between Centralia and Chicago is approximately 245 miles, or 394 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 37 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 Centralia to Chicago on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Centralia at 04:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. 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 5 scheduled trains on most days. 3 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 Centralia.

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 Centralia?

Main departure station: 110 South Oak St

There is one train station in Centralia.

All train stations in Centralia:

  • 110 South Oak 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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