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There are 3 daily trains from Chicago to Kankakee. Traveling by train from Chicago to Kankakee usually takes around one hour and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 54 mi (86 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 10m |
| Lowest price | US$5.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak City of New Orleans |
| Train lines | 4 |
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Kankakee
(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Qiuck. Cons: The Amtrak station in Kankakee has the bathroom lock because of Vandals. The customer should be able to use those facilities. Why does the paying customer get inconvenienced because of Law Breakers. Straighten it out, or hire me and I will straighten it out definitely!
5.0
Pros: Seriously easy boarding and disembarking. Cons: The train was a bit old and worn. They are in need of upgrading their seats, but it wasn't a serious hindrance.
In the last month, US$9.13 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Kankakee. 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 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around US$9.96 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 Kankakee will vary between US$8 and US$14. Planning a train trip to Kankakee within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is US$8. 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.
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Chicago to Kankakee, book online with Wanderu at least 27 days in advance. That way, you’ll save US$9.96 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
There are 4 train lines with service from Chicago to Kankakee. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1h 10m | US$5.00 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 1h 16m | US$17.45 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 1h 10m | US$9.52 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 1h 11m | US$8.40 |
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 Chicago to Kankakee every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$5.
The City of New Orleans is an Amtrak route that runs daily trains from Chicago to New Orleans and vice versa. The City of New Orleans includes a sightseer lounge with panoramic windows for the best views of the five states along the route. Affordable Coach seats cost about for a trip from Chicago to Kankakee. However, the City of New Orleans also offers private roomettes and bedrooms for added comfort and luxury (and a higher price). Passengers who book sleeper accommodations will enjoy included meals, and all passengers can stop into the cafe car to purchase meals and snacks.
Since 1973, Amtrak's Illini Service has provided reliable train transportation to 11 Illinois cities. The Illini operates as an evening commuter train from Chicago to Carbondale, while its sister train, the Amtrak Saluki, runs the morning route. Commuters rely on this service as a safe and convenient transportation option every day. Each train offers WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating. Illini trains meet the highest federal standard for reducing emissions, with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Kankakee on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 06:00 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Kankakee.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Kankakee 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.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
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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
Kankakee has one train station.
199 S East Ave
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