Wanderu Logo
Ireland flag
  • Canada
US$
Log in
background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Chicago to Mattoon train

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
Lowest Prices

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

Best Travel Options

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

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

Chicago - Mattoon Train Timetable

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
fromUS$30.00

Trip Summary

There are 3 daily trains from Chicago to Mattoon. Traveling by train from Chicago to Mattoon usually takes around 3 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in 3 hours and 6 minutes.

Distance170 mi (274 km)
Fastest train3h 6m
Lowest priceUS$14.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak City of New Orleans
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Mattoon

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Jeff

19 December 2023- Business

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: I liked the fact that I was able to go for so little of money. Cons: The actual cost and more workers giving others the information . I find it necessary to be able to use my income and resources. Tips: Yes 👍, bring food and items with you to work then no need to havta tryin use wifi.

4.0

Pamela

6 November 2023- Regular commuter

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: It was right on time. Cons: Boarding plan to be in order. Tips: All good.

5.0

Susan

29 January 2023- Vacation

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: The personnel were kind and respectful and helpful. Cons: Bathroom could have been cleaner.

5.0

George

2 October 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: Everything👍🥳. Cons: It was perfect!Si. Tips: Sit back and enjoy!

5.0

Deborah

28 June 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: Peaceful. Cons: No not really!

See more details

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

The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to Mattoon is US$21.73, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 29 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay US$12.40 more.

Average prices by travel date

US$45US$30US$15AprApr

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Mattoon is expected to fluctuate between US$19 and US$35 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Mattoon in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Chicago is US$19.

Monthly average prices

US$50US$40US$30US$20US$10MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Mattoon. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of US$22. If you're planning a trip from Chicago to Mattoon during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about US$28 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

US$50US$40US$30US$20US$103020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Chicago to Mattoon, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save US$12.40 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Mattoon?

There are 4 train lines with service from Chicago to Mattoon. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak23h 18mUS$15.81
Amtrak City of New Orleans13h 6mUS$23.72
Amtrak Illini Service13h 18mUS$28.53
Amtrak Saluki13h 18mUS$25.31

  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Mattoon every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$14.

  • 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 Mattoon. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Mattoon. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Chicago and Mattoon is approximately 170 miles, or 274 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 6 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.

Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Chicago to Mattoon. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

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 Mattoon.

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

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 Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where is the train station in Mattoon?

Main arrival station: 1718 Broadway Ave

Mattoon has one train station.

Train stations in Mattoon:

  • 1718 Broadway Ave

Get around town with Moovit

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in Mattoon. Download here

Related reading

Need a return trip from Mattoon to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Chicago

Continue by train from Mattoon

Check out these popular routes

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