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There is one daily train from Chicago to Omaha. Traveling by train from Chicago to Omaha usually takes around 9 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak California Zephyr train can make the trip in 8 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 435 mi (699 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 55m |
| Lowest price | £43.24 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak California Zephyr |
| Train lines | 1 |
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Omaha
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: We did not have to drive n park in Chicago. Tips: We have shared our best interest for taking the train , specially to n from Chicago. Love to sit at the observatory car n visit with someone who loves to take the train .
4.0
Pros: Quiet. No one bothering me. Nice scenery. Cons: Better internet or WiFi service. Lost signal a few times. Tips: Bring a book or music to keep entertained. Long periods between stations.
In the last month, £60.72 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Omaha. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 25 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £29.41 more than that for a same-day booking.
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Omaha will vary between £52 and £110. Planning a train trip to Omaha within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is £52. 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.
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Omaha often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only £64,
If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Omaha during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £135 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Chicago to Omaha, book online with Wanderu at least 25 days in advance. That way, you’ll save £29.41 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Amtrak California Zephyr is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Omaha. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak California Zephyr | 1 | 9h 9m | £66.98 |
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.
The distance between Chicago and Omaha is approximately 435 miles, or 699 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 55 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Omaha 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 Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 14:00 and arrives in Omaha around 8 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Omaha with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Omaha to 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.
Once known as the “Gateway to the West,” Omaha effortlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern growth. To catch an air of the city’s old-town vibe, head towards the Old Market quarter. Featuring brick-paved streets along with horse-drawn carriages, the area is an idyllic time capsule that offers a glimpse into the past. Also situated within the quarter are the Joslyn Art Museum and the Omaha Children’s Museum. Animal lovers might want to check out Omaha’s Doorly Zoo or the Aquarium, which features cute Rockhopper penguins as well as a 70-foot shark tunnel.
Steakhouses dominate the city’s restaurant scene, but there has been a recent boom of modern eateries. If you wish to enjoy these modern foods, Kitchen Table will offer everything you need.
The busiest bus station in the city is the Burlington Trailways Terminal downtown. For trains, the main Amtrak station is located on S 9th St, not too far from the bus station. Omaha is served by Amtrak’s California Zephyr line. The city’s principal airport is the Eppley Airfield, located 3 miles northeast of downtown.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionOmaha's Amtrak station first opened in 1983 and today is a stop for Amtrak's California Zephyr train line. The station welcomes about 25,000 passengers annually. On the premises, travelers can enjoy an indoor waiting area and vending machines to stock up on snacks before departure. The Amtrak station is located right in the heart of Omaha, and not far from the city's Little Italy district, with several bars, restaurants, and convenience stores in its immediate vicinity.
1003 S 9th St
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