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Galesburg to Chicago train

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Galesburg - Chicago Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Galesburg to Chicago. The train trip from Galesburg to Chicago is usually about 2 hours and 58 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Carl Sandburg train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance156 mi (251 km)
Fastest train2h 55m
Lowest price£14.40
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Carl Sandburg
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Galesburg to Chicago

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Brenda

18 May 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

Pros: The staff both at the train station leaving and on the train were awesome! Cons: nothing. Tips: be considerate of other travelers and staff.

4.0

Geni

13 January 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Quite,and clean. Cons: It's find. Tips: Its nice ride and safe.

5.0

Carman

8 December 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

Pros: That they took the time to explain to me where I needed to go and because I’m of age and have some disability they Romy around on a car to make sure I got to where I need to be in assisted me with getting my luggage on the train I was very happy with that. Cons: If some of us have a disability, but do not have an actual scooter or a cheer but a roll walker and a cane we should we should qualify for disability seedings if available. Tips: Yes, we should take the time to book the appropriate ride earlier than almost at the time of your trip catch the bargains, pay attention to your time and date before booking to avoid paying extra or cancellation.

5.0

Todd A

10 November 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: How easy and hassle free it was. Comfortable ride. Much more comfortable than an airplane or the last time I was on a bus, which was years ago. Temperature was well controlled. Just right. Cons: Our car to Chicago had a smell of old cigarette smoke from years past but our car on the return trip was very clean and fresh smelling. Tips: Bring a neck pillow if you actually want to sleep. But was fine for just dozing off now and then. I did not need WiFi so I can’t say if it worked but I assume since I saw someone using their laptop.

5.0

Janice

18 June 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: For an older woman, traveling with family, I’m happy to say it was a very nice experience. Comfortable temperature, and comfortable seats. As a tall woman, I was glad to see the tall seats and the foot rests, too. The windows! Were large and gave a large view of the landscape; the curtains were effective when they were used. Cons: Trash area was quite small. Tips: Just enjoy!

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

In the last month, £23.14 was the average price of a train ticket from Galesburg 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 26 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £14.48 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

£48£32£16AprMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Galesburg to Chicago will vary between £20 and £42. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Galesburg over the next 7 days is £20. 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

£40£32£24£16£8MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Galesburg to Chicago. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of £22. If you're planning a trip from Galesburg to Chicago during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about £36 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

£60£48£36£24£123020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Galesburg to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 26 days in advance. That way, you’ll save £14.48 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Galesburg to Chicago?

There are 3 train lines with service from Galesburg to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Carl Sandburg12h 56m£19.78
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr12h 56m£25.50
Amtrak Southwest Chief13h 3m£32.07

  • 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 Galesburg to Chicago 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.

  • The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Galesburg to Chicago in about 3 hours and 3 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Galesburg and Chicago is approximately 156 miles, or 251 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 55 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Galesburg to Chicago on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday 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 Galesburg at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:00. 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 Galesburg to Chicago.

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

City Information

Galesburg

Galesburg is best known as the birthplace of writer and poet Carl Sandburg, with the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site erected in his honor. If you love the look of Carl’s boyhood cottage, you can stay in a historic home of your own – several, including the Great House of Galesburg, have been converted into charming bed-and-breakfasts across town.

Galesburg is also known for its historic involvement in the local railroad system, notably connecting Illinois’ largest (at the time) cities, Chicago and Quincy. In fact, the Galesburg Railroad Museum functions solely to preserve and share the history of the railroad industry in Galesburg and Western Illinois. The city even holds an annual festival, the Galesburg Railroad Days, complete with rides, live music, and open-air markets to celebrate the city’s railroad roots. And it’s not just literal railroads– Galesburg was originally founded by abolitionists and became a critical stop to freedom in the Underground Railroad.

Galesburg remains a major railway hub, acting as one of the stops for some of Amtrak’s most popular lines. The Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, and Southwest Chief all operate daily to connect Galesburg west to Chicago. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr reaches all the way to Los Angeles. Galesburg also has two main bus stations for Greyhound and Burlington Trailways. These carriers provide coverage to Denver, St. Louis, and Moline, which has the closest airport to Galesburg, Quad Cities Airport.

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 Galesburg?

Main departure station: 225 S Seminary St

There is one train station in Galesburg.

All train stations in Galesburg:

  • 225 S Seminary St

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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