Cheap train tickets from Gainesville to Chicago
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Gainesville to Chicago?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Gainesville to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$370.00 | Avg. Price$263.29 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration1d 19h 5m | Duration1d 9h 42m |
Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Gainesville to Chicago per day. The average train journey from Gainesville to Chicago takes 33 hours and 46 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 33 hours and 21 minutes.
Distance | 563 mi (906 km) |
Fastest train | 33h 21m |
Lowest price | $197.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Gainesville to Chicago?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Gainesville, GA and Chicago, IL cost $224.50, on average. Due to the distance between Gainesville and Chicago, train tickets on this route tend to be relatively pricey. Booking your trip at least 8 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $78.50 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Gainesville to Chicago?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Gainesville to Chicago. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 1 | 1d 9h 47m | $394.83 |
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 Gainesville to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $197.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Gainesville to Chicago
The distance between Gainesville and Chicago is approximately 563 miles, or 906 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 33 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 33 hours and 21 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.
Trains departing from Gainesville to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Gainesville at 12:00am and arrives in Chicago around 33 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Gainesville.
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 Gainesville?
Main departure station: 116 Industrial Blvd
There is one train station in Gainesville.
All train stations in Gainesville:
116 Industrial Blvd
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain 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.
All train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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Need a return trip from Chicago to Gainesville?
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- Train Tickets
- United States
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- Gainesville, GA to Chicago, IL