Chicago to Plano train
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.
Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Chicago to Plano. Traveling by train from Chicago to Plano usually takes around 57 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 49 mi (79 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 57m |
| Lowest price | €11.22 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carl Sandburg |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Plano?
In the last month, €11.22 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Plano. 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 25 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €6.08 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Plano often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only €11,
If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Plano during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €108 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Plano from Chicago will be about €6.08 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Chicago to Plano?
2 train services operate from Chicago to Plano. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carl Sandburg | 1 | 0h 57m | €11.74 |
| Amtrak Illinois Zephyr | 1 | 0h 57m | €14.42 |
The Amtrak Carl Sandburg, named after the Pulitzer-winning author, is a sister service to the Illinois Zephyr. Both operate daily services between Chicago and Quincy with additional stops in Naperville and Kewanee. Whether you buy a coach class or business class ticket, you'll have plenty of legroom and complimentary WiFi, plus access to refreshments at the onboard cafe.
The Illinois Zephyr is a passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between Quincy and Chicago. Taking the train from Chicago to Plano is a comfortable option, and tickets on this route cost on average. The Illinois Zephyr and its sister train, the Carl Sandburg, serve one of Amtrak's most popular lines. The train features amenities such as airline-style coach seating, a cafe on board, power outlets, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
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.
Trains from Chicago to Plano are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Plano with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Plano 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?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main departure 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.
All train stations in Chicago:
Union Station
Where is the train station in Plano?
Main arrival station: 101 W Main St
Plano has one train station.
Train stations in Plano:
101 W Main St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Plano to Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
Continue by train from Plano
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