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Chicago to Normal train

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Chicago - Normal Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

5 trains operate daily from Chicago to Normal. The train trip from Chicago to Normal is usually about 2 hours and 6 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can get you there in as little as one hour and 58 minutes.

Distance118 mi (190 km)
Fastest train1h 58m
Lowest priceCHF 10.98
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Normal

(Based on 17 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Raúl

6 March 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: punctuality met the times. Cons: Very good everything, I have no comments here. Tips: Using this application is very useful and fast.

5.0

Sharon

23 September 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: We enjoyed the cafe car. Nice seating….good conversation. Cons: I can’t think of anything! Tips: Don’t bother with upgrades… go to the cafe car!

4.0

Gloria

17 September 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: First amtrak experience at 80 years of age and would d it again. Cons: TRAIN 22 being 7 hours late...we were told crew problems...hire people that need a job and show up for work. Tips: If you board a train that comes cross country and you board never the end of the route expect the train to be late getting to you.

5.0

Colleen

10 July 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: Announcements re: bar service etc were timely and given with some humor. Tips: Helps to line up early to get your prime seating choice.

5.0

Grzegorz

22 December 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: Clean..fast boarding..friendly people.. Cons: All good. Tips: Great service. Perfect to travel..

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

In the last month, CHF 15.96 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Normal. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around CHF 30.77 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

CHF 55CHF 37CHF 18AprMay

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Normal will range from CHF 13 to CHF 49. If you're planning to travel by train to Normal in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Chicago you can find in the next 7 days is CHF 13. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

CHF 46CHF 37CHF 27CHF 18CHF 9MJJASONDJFMA
The price of a train ticket from Chicago to Normal remains pretty stable, regardless of when you plan to travel. Tickets on this route usually cost CHF 23 throughout the year.

Prices as travel date approaches

CHF 46CHF 37CHF 27CHF 18CHF 93020100

Since the average price of train trips from Chicago to Normal remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your train tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the train selling out.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Normal?

There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Normal. Amtrak Lincoln Service is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 6mCHF 20.92
Amtrak Lincoln Service32h 4mCHF 17.02
Amtrak Texas Eagle12h 12mCHF 41.64

  • 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 Chicago to Normal every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 11.

  • Amtrak Lincoln Service is part of Amtrak's Illinois Service, providing rail transportation throughout Illinois. The Lincoln Service travels 284 miles between St. Louis and Chicago with nine intermediate stops. Amtrak Lincoln trains offer WiFi connectivity, power outlets, business class seating, and a cafe car to ensure passengers have the most comfortable journey possible.

  • The Amtrak Texas Eagle is a 1,306-mile train route from Chicago, Illinois to San Antonio, Texas. Because of the route’s length, the train offers sleeper car options in addition to standard coach seats. Like most Amtrak trains, the Texas Eagle features power outlets at each seat, restrooms in each car, and a cafe car where passengers can purchase food and drinks. A journey from Chicago to Normal on the Texas Eagle usually takes 2 hours and 12 minutes, which is best spent enjoying the incredible scenery along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Chicago and Normal is approximately 118 miles, or 190 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 58 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains departing from Chicago to Normal tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. 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 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Normal.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Normal 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.

Normal

Normal is a town in North Bloomington, adjacent to Bloomington. The town got its unique name in 1865 from the Illinois State Normal University, a normal school that is a teacher-training institution. Normal features the Children's Discovery Museum, Illinois State University Planetarium and Carden Park for children, and the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History for history buffs. If you're interested in exploring the outdoors, you can take a walk on the Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary or Constitution Trail or play on the Ironwood Golf Course. Sports lovers can also check out the Redbird Arena, where basketball games are held.

Normal features a vibrant entertainment scene with different breweries and beer halls. You can participate in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival or watch shows at the Normal Theater. Normal also has a vineyard and wine bars, with most activities available in Uptown Normal, the micro-urban city center. The Uptown area has different entertainment venues, dining, and retail establishments.

You can visit Normal, Illinois, by train or bus. The city is accessible from many other cities by train, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and Amtrak Lincoln Service. As for the bus lines, you can access the city from over 80 other cities onboard buses from Jefferson Lines, Amtrak Thruway, and Burlington Trailways.

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: 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.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where is the train station in Normal?

Main arrival station: Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir

Normal has one train station.

Train stations in Normal:

  • Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir

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Need a return trip from Normal to Chicago?

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