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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Mattoon

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

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4.8k Reviews

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Chicago to Mattoon Train Timetable

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Mattoon. Traveling by train from Chicago to Mattoon usually takes 6 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Saluki train can make the trip in 3 hours and 17 minutes.

Distance170 mi (274 km)
Fastest train3h 17m
Lowest price£11.92
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines4

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Mattoon

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

lauren

15 December 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Very nice! Cons: Nothing. Tips: Book in advance!

5.0

George

14 July 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Was on time. Always a great value! Cons: Everything was great!

5.0

Jeff

19 December 2023- Business

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: I liked the fact that I was able to go for so little of money. Cons: The actual cost and more workers giving others the information . I find it necessary to be able to use my income and resources. Tips: Yes 👍, bring food and items with you to work then no need to havta tryin use wifi.

4.0

Pamela

6 November 2023- Regular commuter

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: It was right on time. Cons: Boarding plan to be in order. Tips: All good.

5.0

Susan

29 January 2023- Vacation

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: The personnel were kind and respectful and helpful. Cons: Bathroom could have been cleaner.

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Mattoon was £19.88. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £10.74 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Mattoon by travel date

£34£22£11AugAug

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Mattoon will cost between £15 and £30. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Mattoon by month

£37£30£22£15£7SONDJFMAMJJA

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Mattoon often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only £22,

If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Mattoon during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £33 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

£37£30£22£15£73020100

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Mattoon on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about £10.74 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Mattoon?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak210h 1m£22.68
Amtrak City of New Orleans13h 29m£22.90
Amtrak Illini Service13h 18m£21.40
Amtrak Saluki13h 17m£20.51

  • 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 Chicago to Mattoon every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £13.

  • 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 Chicago to Mattoon. 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 Chicago to Mattoon

The distance between Chicago and Mattoon is approximately 170 miles, or 274 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 17 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 Chicago to Mattoon 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 08:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:00. 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 Mattoon. 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 Mattoon 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?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Mattoon?

Main arrival station: 1718 Broadway Ave

Mattoon has one train station.

Train stations in Mattoon:

  • 1718 Broadway Ave

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