Waterloo to Chicago Train - Amtrak Tickets TRY 1,463

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Waterloo to Chicago Train Timetable

Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Waterloo to Chicago. The train trip from Waterloo to Chicago is usually about 3 hours and 17 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 9 minutes.

	Distance	138 mi (222 km)
	Fastest train	3h 9m
	Lowest price	TRY 1,462.64
	Trains per day	3
	Most frequent service	Amtrak Lake Shore Limited
	Train lines	2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Waterloo to Chicago

(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Brenda

13 December 2025- Solo travel

Pros: Everythig! I will do it again. Cons: Nothing! Tips: Please don't leave garbages.

4.0

Anna

31 August 2025- Couples trip

Amtrak

Pros: I like how accessible everything was. Cons: Nothing, the rails very bumpy. Tips: Bring neck pillow, water, CHARGER, wifi is slow onboard, less stressful than flying.

5.0

Joan B

29 January 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: Everything. Cons: Heard bathroom s were questionable Did not use. Tips: He et your ticket and arrive station early.

5.0

Kathryn

1 December 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Fast and easy way to travel to chicago. Cons: Nothing that I can think of. Tips: No.

5.0

PK

14 October 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Relaxing, quick. Cons: Wi-Fi needs improvements.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Waterloo to Chicago was TRY 2,024.20. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 24 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra TRY 2,928.82.

Average train ticket prices from Waterloo to Chicago by month

You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Waterloo to Chicago, with the average price at just TRY 1,950. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to TRY 2,925. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Waterloo to Chicago. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 24 days before departure, you can save around TRY 2,928.82. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Waterloo to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Waterloo to Chicago. Amtrak Lake Shore Limited usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak Floridian	1	3h 10m	TRY 2,439.06
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited	2	3h 21m	TRY 3,384.01

Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Waterloo to Chicago start from TRY 1,463, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Floridian in Waterloo leaves from 485 West Van Vleek Street . And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station .
From Waterloo to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 3 hours and 10 minutes. If you are looking to get to Chicago faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 9 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Chicago on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Waterloo.
The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is an overnight train that runs along some of the best shorelines in the U.S., connecting New York City and Boston with Chicago. The service provides top-tier amenities to its passengers, including free WiFi and dining onboard. The Lake Shore Limited departs from 485 West Van Vleek Street in Waterloo and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 3 hours and 21 minutes and ticket prices start at TRY 1,463.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Waterloo to Chicago

The distance between Waterloo and Chicago is approximately 138 miles, or 222 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 9 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.

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

The earliest train departs Waterloo at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 09:00. 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Waterloo to Chicago.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Waterloo.

City Information

Waterloo

Image credit: Unsplash

Waterloo is a town in Indiana, getting its unique name from the man who owned land on both sides of the area. Despite being a small town, it offers a wide range of activities for families and sports lovers. You can take golf classes at the Bridgewater Golf Club or go skating with the family at the Skatin' Station. The family-friendly town is home to the Ft Wayne Children's Zoo and Potawatomi Zoo. During your visit, some historical markers to check out include the Immaculate Conception Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Shopping enthusiasts will be pleased in Waterloo, as the town is home to different specialty shops and boutiques. You can also visit when the De Kalb County Fair is in town, offering special events and auctions. The Summer Parade and Festival is an annual highlight in Waterloo, offering delicious food, activities for all ages, and fun presentations.

Waterloo is known as the crossroads of Northeastern Indiana, as it connects several major transportation routes. The travel hub has routes like I-69, US G, and IN 427 and is the only Amtrak passenger train stop in northeast Indiana.

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 Waterloo?

Main departure station: 485 West Van Vleek Street

There is one train station in Waterloo.

All train stations in Waterloo:

485 West Van Vleek Street

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Station

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

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Need a return trip from Chicago to Waterloo?

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