4.0
Pros: That all the staff was helpful and friendly. Cons: The price is too high at times. Tips: Book as early as you can.
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Chicago and Rantoul. The average train journey from Chicago to Rantoul takes 2 hours and 4 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 2 hours and 3 minutes.
| Distance | 112 mi (180 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 3m |
| Lowest price | £8.85 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Illini Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Rantoul
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Train service from Chicago to Rantoul
- Amtrak tickets: £9 one-way
- Amtrak Illini Service tickets: £11 one-way
- Amtrak Saluki tickets: £9 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Rantoul?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Chicago and Rantoul cost £12.98, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around £12.01 more.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Rantoul will vary between £10 and £25. Planning a train trip to Rantoul within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is £10. 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
Taking the train from Chicago to Rantoul usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around £15 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
Since the average price of train trips from Chicago to Rantoul 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 Rantoul?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Rantoul. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 2h 3m | £8.85 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 2h 3m | £17.85 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 2h 5m | £15.40 |
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 Rantoul every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £9.
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
Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from Chicago to Rantoul. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.
The distance between Chicago and Rantoul is approximately 112 miles, or 180 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 3 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Rantoul on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. 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 Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Rantoul with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Rantoul 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?
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 Rantoul?
Main arrival station: W Sangamon and N Kentucky Aves
Rantoul has one train station.
Train stations in Rantoul:
W Sangamon and N Kentucky Aves
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