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Trains from Effingham to Chicago

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Effingham - Chicago Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 2 daily trains from Effingham to Chicago. Traveling by train from Effingham to Chicago usually takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Saluki train can make the trip in 3 hours and 53 minutes.

Distance197 mi (316 km)
Fastest train3h 53m
Lowest price€21.16
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Saluki
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Effingham to Chicago

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Kim

26 November 2019- Business

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: Great way to travel especially over the holidays. Outlets for cellphones to keep charged and very comfortable. I did not have to deal with traffic and a place to park in Chicago. Cons: nothing. Tips: Enjoy.

Pros: Great way to travel especially over the holidays. Outlets for cellphones to keep charged and very comfortable. I did not have to deal with traffic and a place to park in Chicago. Cons: nothing. Tips: Enjoy.

5.0

Julie

26 October 2019- Vacation

Amtrak Saluki

Ease of boarding and reaching Chicago

Ease of boarding and reaching Chicago

4.0

Sherrilynn

8 August 2019- Vacation

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Nice to take train to Chicago and not worry about traffic and parking. Cons: Really no complaints other than on return trip there was a man in front of us who talked on cellphone (loudly) for at least half-hour. Tips: Not really.

Pros: Nice to take train to Chicago and not worry about traffic and parking. Cons: Really no complaints other than on return trip there was a man in front of us who talked on cellphone (loudly) for at least half-hour. Tips: Not really.

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

In the last month, €23.97 was the average price of a train ticket from Effingham 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 22 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €18.01 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

€43€29€14MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Effingham to Chicago will vary between €24 and €31. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Effingham over the next 7 days is €24. 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.

Monthly average prices

€48€38€29€19€10JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Effingham to Chicago by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for August. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just €22 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Effingham to Chicago in May, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €29 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

€48€38€29€19€103020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Effingham will be about €18.01 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Effingham to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Effingham to Chicago. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak City of New Orleans14h 18m€24.08
Amtrak Saluki13h 53m€28.14
  • Amtrak City of New Orleans

    Amtrak City of New Orleans

    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 Effingham to Chicago. 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.

  • 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 Effingham 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 Effingham to Chicago?

The distance between Effingham and Chicago is approximately 197 miles, or 316 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 53 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

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

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Effingham at 04:00 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.

Is there a direct train from Effingham to Chicago?

Trains leave the station in Effingham twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Chicago 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 Chicago to Effingham.

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 Effingham?

Departure stations

There is one train station in Effingham.

All train stations in Effingham:

  • 401 W National Ave

Related reading

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