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Trains from Chicago to Galesburg

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Chicago - Galesburg Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 26 daily trains from Chicago to Galesburg. Traveling by train from Chicago to Galesburg usually takes around 21 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 2 hours and 33 minutes.

Distance156 mi (251 km)
Fastest train2h 33m
Lowest price£15.09
Trains per day4
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines5

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Galesburg

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

David

9 January 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: I like that i arrived on time and passengers was loud nor rude. Cons: N/A. Tips: Be respectful to other passengers and train staff and be patient.

Pros: I like that i arrived on time and passengers was loud nor rude. Cons: N/A. Tips: Be respectful to other passengers and train staff and be patient.

5.0

Willie

23 November 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak California Zephyr

Pros: Things were on time. Cons: Bathroom cleanliness.

Pros: Things were on time. Cons: Bathroom cleanliness.

5.0

Alasandra

4 November 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Was nice and clean and friendly

Was nice and clean and friendly

5.0

Brian

20 October 2019- Business

Amtrak California Zephyr

Pros: convenience. Cons: information regarding the boarding process from the Great Hall.

Pros: convenience. Cons: information regarding the boarding process from the Great Hall.

4.0

Mahalia

13 July 2019- Couples trip

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

It was my boyfriend and I first time on the train and it was a wonderful experience and would definitely ride the train again in the future

It was my boyfriend and I first time on the train and it was a wonderful experience and would definitely ride the train again in the future

Train service from Chicago to Galesburg

See more details

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

In the last month, £85.21 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Galesburg. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 28 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £31.15 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

£119£79£40MayJun

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Galesburg will vary between £80 and £112. Planning a train trip to Galesburg within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is £85. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

£60£48£36£24£12JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Galesburg by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just £21 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Galesburg in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £58 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

£79£64£48£32£163020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Galesburg from Chicago will be about £31.15 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Galesburg?

There are 5 train lines with service from Chicago to Galesburg. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 22 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak221d 3h 46m£126.83
Amtrak California Zephyr12h 38m£29.49
Amtrak Carl Sandburg12h 41m£19.40
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr12h 41m£21.51
Amtrak Southwest Chief12h 34m£25.82
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 22 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Galesburg every day, as well as 12 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £25.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak California Zephyr

    Amtrak California Zephyr

    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.

  • Amtrak Carl Sandburg

    Amtrak Carl Sandburg

    Amtrak Carl Sandburg train tickets from Chicago to Galesburg start from £19, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Carl Sandburg schedules to Galesburg. Amtrak Carl Sandburg in Chicago leaves from Union Station . And in Galesburg trains arrive at 225 S Seminary St .

    From Chicago to Galesburg train travel on Amtrak Carl Sandburg takes 2 hours and 41 minutes. If you are looking to get to Galesburg faster, Amtrak Carl Sandburg offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 33 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to Galesburg on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Carl Sandburg scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.

  • Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

    Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

    Amtrak Illinois Zephyr train tickets from Chicago to Galesburg start from £19, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Illinois Zephyr schedules to Galesburg. Amtrak Illinois Zephyr in Chicago leaves from Union Station . And in Galesburg trains arrive at 225 S Seminary St .

    From Chicago to Galesburg train travel on Amtrak Illinois Zephyr takes 2 hours and 41 minutes. If you are looking to get to Galesburg faster, Amtrak Illinois Zephyr offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 33 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to Galesburg on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Illinois Zephyr scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.

  • Amtrak Southwest Chief

    Amtrak Southwest Chief

    The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Chicago to Galesburg in about 2 hours and 34 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Galesburg during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Galesburg?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Galesburg. 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.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Galesburg?

The distance between Chicago and Galesburg is approximately 156 miles, or 251 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 33 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Chicago to Galesburg 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Chicago at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Chicago to Galesburg?

There are 26 scheduled trains on most days. 4 of these are direct connections to Galesburg. 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 Galesburg to Chicago.

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 Chicago?

New York, NY - Penn Station - NYCPEN-0

Departure stations

Pennsylvania Station, or just Penn Station, is the main train station in New York City. All Amtrak trains to and from NYC use Penn Station as their only train stop in Manhattan. Penn Station offers easy connections to various other types of transportation, including commuter rail (the Long Island Rail Road and the NJ Transit both operate out of Penn Station), airport transit, and six lines of the NYC Subway, making it the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the heart of Manhattan, right by the world-famous Madison Square Garden, Penn Station is close to various points of interest such as Times Square and the Empire State Building, as well as many restaurants and retail stores.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Penn Station

  • Union Station

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

  • 100 N Third St

  • 100 S EK Gaylord Blvd

  • 210 W Third St

  • Airport - 5601 S 6th St

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

  • Union Station - 400 S Houston St

  • Multi-Modal Transportation Center

  • 1116 Depot St

  • Union Station

  • 11 W Baltimore Ave

  • 902 Washington Ave

Where is the train station in Galesburg?

Arrival stations

Galesburg has one train station.

Train stations in Galesburg:

  • 225 S Seminary St

Related reading

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