COVID-19 Travel Guide
Learn more ›
Wanderu Logo
United Kingdom flag
£
Log in

Trains from Rantoul to Chicago

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top coach & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

No Wanderu Fees

Without any extra fees, we make it easy to book your tickets.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Rantoul - Chicago Train Timetable

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from£24.23

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Rantoul to Chicago. Traveling by train from Rantoul to Chicago usually takes around 2 hours and 33 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance112 mi (180 km)
Fastest train2h 33m
Lowest price£13.73
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Saluki
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Rantoul to Chicago

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Susan

20 July 2021- Business

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Plenty of room and nice staff. Cons: Everything was fine.

Pros: Plenty of room and nice staff. Cons: Everything was fine.

4.0

Tina

19 July 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: The staff had my name on a list so I didn't even have to bring up the bar code on my app. Super convenient. Cons: It's train travel. Totally fine for what it is. Tips: Bring a snack. I didn't feel comfortable leaving my luggage to go seek out the area where the...

Pros: The staff had my name on a list so I didn't even have to bring up the bar code on my app. Super convenient. Cons: It's train travel. Totally fine for what it is. Tips: Bring a snack. I didn't feel comfortable leaving my luggage to go seek out the area where they had food/snacks.

More

5.0

Betty

13 April 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: What I liked about the trip the most Was the safety purcomation. Cons: Everything was in order.

Pros: What I liked about the trip the most Was the safety purcomation. Cons: Everything was in order.

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

In the last month, £13.73 was the average price of a train ticket from Rantoul to Chicago. 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 11 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £10.66 more than that for a same-day booking.

Monthly average prices

£20£16£12£8£4JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Rantoul to Chicago by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just £12 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Rantoul to Chicago in November, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £17 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

£40£32£24£16£83020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Rantoul will be about £10.66 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Rantoul to Chicago?

Amtrak Saluki is the one and only train line which connects Rantoul to Chicago. 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Saluki12h 33m£18.98
  • Amtrak Saluki

    Amtrak Saluki

    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

Is it safe to travel by train from Rantoul to Chicago 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.

How long is the train journey from Rantoul to Chicago?

The distance between Rantoul and Chicago is approximately 112 miles, or 180 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 33 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains departing from Rantoul to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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 Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Rantoul at 10:00 and arrives in Chicago around 2 hours later.

Is there a direct train from Rantoul to Chicago?

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chicago 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 Chicago to Rantoul.

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 Rantoul?

Departure stations

There is one train station in Rantoul.

All train stations in Rantoul:

  • W Sangamon and N Kentucky Aves

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Arrival stations

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:

  • Union Station

Related reading

Need a return trip from Chicago to Rantoul?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Rantoul

Continue by train from Chicago

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android