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Trains from Chicago to St Louis

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Chicago - St Louis Train Timetable

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Train Route Overview: Chicago to St Louis

There are 87 daily trains from Chicago to St Louis. Traveling by train from Chicago to St Louis usually takes around 25 hours and 44 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in 5 hours and 6 minutes.

Distance262 mi (422 km)
Fastest train5h 6m
Lowest price£20.43
Trains per day6
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to St Louis

(Based on 37 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Rosie

19 March 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: The train ride was very comfortable and clean with friendly train staff and conductor. It was very relaxing to sit back and take in the views with regular commentaries on the sights passing by outside the window. Cons: The temperature was just right. But the over...

Pros: The train ride was very comfortable and clean with friendly train staff and conductor. It was very relaxing to sit back and take in the views with regular commentaries on the sights passing by outside the window. Cons: The temperature was just right. But the overhead ilse air flow, gave me an inflamed sinusitus . in the car where we were seated. Tips: Wear comfortable clothes, bring your pillow & blanket. If your're bothered with sinuses, bring something to cover your head ormove to a different seat. If available!

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5.0

Ashlyn

19 March 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: Comfortable and easy transport. Cons: More help with heavy luggage.

Pros: Comfortable and easy transport. Cons: More help with heavy luggage.

4.0

Jonathan

16 November 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: Travelling by train. Cons: Cafeteria was overpriced. Tips: Bring your own food and drink.

Pros: Travelling by train. Cons: Cafeteria was overpriced. Tips: Bring your own food and drink.

4.0

Melvin

12 November 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Pros: The trip was a pleasant trip ,both going and coming. Cons: The restrooms could be cleaned better. Tips: Do as you sre asked to do.

Pros: The trip was a pleasant trip ,both going and coming. Cons: The restrooms could be cleaned better. Tips: Do as you sre asked to do.

4.0

Sherri

10 September 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

My trip was very enjoyable, traveling for a funeral. I was able to recline my seat and rest before I arrived at my destination.

My trip was very enjoyable, traveling for a funeral. I was able to recline my seat and rest before I arrived at my destination.

Train service from Chicago to St Louis

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

In the last month, £94.95 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to St Louis. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £46.50 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

£147£98£49MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to St Louis will vary between £84 and £144. Planning a train trip to St Louis within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is £84. 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

£102£82£61£41£20JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to St Louis 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 £33 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to St Louis in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £83 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

£123£98£74£49£253020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to St Louis from Chicago will be about £46.50 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to St Louis?

There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to St Louis. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 82 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak821d 4h 7m£115.72
Amtrak Lincoln Service45h 14m£26.58
Amtrak Texas Eagle15h 30m£38.83
  • 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 82 Amtrak trains from Chicago to St Louis every day, as well as 53 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £20.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Lincoln Service

    Amtrak Lincoln Service

    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.

  • Amtrak Texas Eagle

    Amtrak Texas Eagle

    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 St Louis on the Texas Eagle usually takes 5 hours and 30 minutes, which is best spent enjoying the incredible scenery along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there buses from Chicago to St. Louis?

Yes, there are 3 bus companies that offer service from Chicago to St. Louis: Greyhound, Megabus and OurBus. Of those, Ourbus is the cheapest, with tickets averaging about $15.

What’s the difference between Amtrak Texas Eagle and Lincoln Service?

The Amtrak Texas Eagle is the more expensive of the two train lines, with tickets averaging about $10 more than the Lincoln Service (which is also known as the Illinois Service). There are 3 Lincoln Service trains per day, versus just 1 Texas Eagle, which means you’ll have more options to fit your schedule on the Lincoln line.

Otherwise, both trains take about 5 hours 30 minutes, and they take the same route, which passes through Bloomington, IL and Springfield, IL on the way to St. Louis.

Is Chicago to St. Louis a good family vacation?

St. Louis is a terrific destination to travel with your family, if your kids can endure the almost 6 hour train ride. Thankfully, Amtrak trains are very comfortable, which should make the time go by faster.

St. Louis itself has plenty of fun activities for your family. The City Museum is among the best in the entire U.S. for children, with interactive exhibits the kids can climb all over, making it a good venue to let out some energy. The St. Louis Zoo is well-known for its impressive collection of animals, and the iconic Gateway Arch is a site to behold.

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to St Louis 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 St Louis?

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

The distance between Chicago and St Louis is approximately 262 miles, or 422 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 6 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Chicago to St Louis. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

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 St Louis?

There are 87 scheduled trains on most days. 6 of these are direct connections to St Louis. 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 St Louis 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.

St Louis

St. Louis, MO - STL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis, MO - STL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis, MO - STL-2

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.

Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.

Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.

The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the center of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

2702 W Washington St - SOBAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
2703 W Washington St - SOBAMT-1

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Departure stations

The South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of "Michiana," the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • 2702 W Washington St

  • MLK Plaza - 415 Emerald Ave

  • 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

  • Penn Station

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

  • Union Station

  • Syracuse Hancock Intl Apt

  • 7519 Staples Mill Rd

  • Union Station Transportation Center

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • Newark Penn Station

  • 41 Central St

  • Union Station - 1 Union Pl

  • Van Galder Bus Office

Where is the train station in St Louis?

Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St - STLAMT-0

Image credit: Chris Yunker

Link to image attribution

Arrival stations

Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.

Train stations in St Louis:

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

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