5.0
Pros: Nice smooth ride love Amtrak. Cons: Nothing much what more can you want when you used to being on plane. Tips: Enjoy the ride Amtrak the Great.
Cheap train tickets from Ottumwa to Chicago
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Ottumwa to Chicago?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Ottumwa to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€87.86 | Avg. Price€60.12 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration10h 45m | Duration9h 7m |
Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Ottumwa to Chicago. The train trip from Ottumwa to Chicago is usually about 9 hours and 8 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak California Zephyr train can get you there in as little as 5 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 255 mi (410 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 32m |
| Lowest price | €33.46 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Ottumwa to Chicago
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Ottumwa to Chicago?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Ottumwa to Chicago was €46.58. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 9 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra €27.17.
Monthly avg. prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Ottumwa to Chicago, with the average price at just €46. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to €72. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Ottumwa to Chicago. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 9 days before departure, you can save around €27.17. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Ottumwa to Chicago?
2 train services operate from Ottumwa to Chicago. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 12h 44m | €54.52 |
| Amtrak California Zephyr | 1 | 5h 32m | €72.39 |
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 Ottumwa to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €33.
Amtrak California Zephyr is one of the longest train routes in the United States, spanning from Chicago to Emeryville. With views of the Colorado and Mississippi rivers, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Rockies, it highlights some of the most stunning views the US has.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Ottumwa to Chicago
The distance between Ottumwa and Chicago is approximately 255 miles, or 410 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 32 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 Ottumwa to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Ottumwa at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. 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 Ottumwa twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Chicago faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Ottumwa.
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 Ottumwa?
Main departure station: 210 W Main St
There is one train station in Ottumwa.
All train stations in Ottumwa:
210 W Main St
Where is the train station in Chicago?
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.
All train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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