5.0
Comfortable and on time. Outlets worked. Able to charge.
5.0
Pros: It was fast and convenient and I saved money because I did not have to pay for parking in Chicago. Tips: This is a great way to travel to Chicago.
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Trip Summary
5 trains operate daily from Pontiac to Chicago. The train trip from Pontiac to Chicago is usually about one hour and 59 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can get you there in as little as one hour and 54 minutes.
| Distance | 86 mi (139 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 54m |
| Lowest price | £7.24 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lincoln Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Pontiac to Chicago
(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Train service from Pontiac to Chicago
- Amtrak tickets: £9 one-way
- Amtrak Lincoln Service tickets: £7 one-way
- Amtrak Texas Eagle tickets: £13 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Pontiac to Chicago?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Pontiac and Chicago cost £7.24, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 21 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around £13.82 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Pontiac to Chicago stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around £13 regardless of when you plan to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
Since the average price of train trips from Pontiac to Chicago 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 Pontiac to Chicago?
There are 3 train lines with service from Pontiac to Chicago. Amtrak Lincoln Service is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 2h 1m | £15.36 |
| Amtrak Lincoln Service | 3 | 1h 57m | £14.69 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 2h 7m | £36.26 |
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 Pontiac to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £9.
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 Pontiac to Chicago on the Texas Eagle usually takes 2 hours and 7 minutes, which is best spent enjoying the incredible scenery along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Pontiac and Chicago is approximately 86 miles, or 139 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 54 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Pontiac to Chicago on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Pontiac at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. 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 Pontiac to Chicago.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Pontiac.
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 Pontiac?
Main departure station: 721 W Washington St
There is one train station in Pontiac.
All train stations in Pontiac:
721 W Washington St
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main arrival 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.
Train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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