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Cheap train tickets from Alton to Chicago

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Alton to Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Alton and Chicago. The average train journey from Alton to Chicago takes 4 hours and 25 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 4 hours and 11 minutes.

Distance246 mi (396 km)
Fastest train4h 11m
Lowest price$24.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Alton to Chicago

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Lori

March 6, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: My trip was very relaxing. The train moved smoothly and the noise level wasn’t too much. Cons: Signs for Restroom and Cafe car.

5.0

Chris

July 14, 2023- Business

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: It was easy going. Cons: Keep Cafe open. Tips: Bring water.

4.0

Percy

October 29, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Pros: The price and value. Cons: The trip was delayed by about 3 hours. Leaving on time would improve the experience. Tips: Be patient.

4.0

James

October 5, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Cons: Timeliness. Tips: Please talk at a respectful level. We had one person that I am sure could be heard in the car.

5.0

Richard

July 24, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Promp and station was fabulous in altin il

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Alton to Chicago was $42.59. This is an excellent price given the length of the route. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 10 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $27.51 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Alton to Chicago by travel date

$105$70$35NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Alton to Chicago will cost between $27 and $103. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Alton to Chicago by month

$50$40$30$20$10DJFMAMJJASON
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Alton to Chicago. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $33. If you're planning a trip from Alton to Chicago during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $45 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Alton to Chicago. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 10 days before departure, you can save around $27.51. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Alton to Chicago?

There are 3 train lines with service from Alton to Chicago. Amtrak Lincoln Service is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak14h 22m$53.58
Amtrak Lincoln Service34h 17m$46.34
Amtrak Texas Eagle14h 48m$54.54
  • 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 Alton to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $24.

  • Amtrak Lincoln Service is part of Amtrak's Illinois Service, providing rail transportation throughout Illinois. The Lincoln Service travels 284 miles between St. Louis and Chicago with nine intermediate stops. Amtrak Lincoln trains offer WiFi connectivity, power outlets, business class seating, and a cafe car to ensure passengers have the most comfortable journey possible.

  • Amtrak Texas Eagle train tickets from Alton to Chicago start from $29, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Texas Eagle in Alton leaves from Multi-Modal Transportation Center . And in Chicago trains arrive at Chicago (Union Station), Illinois .

    From Alton to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 4 hours and 48 minutes. If you are looking to get to Chicago faster, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 11 minutes.

    If you're considering a weeked trip, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers 2 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Chicago.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Alton to Chicago

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Alton to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Alton and Chicago is approximately 246 miles, or 396 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 25 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 11 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 from Alton to Chicago are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Alton at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Alton to Chicago.

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

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 Alton?

Main departure station: Multi-Modal Transportation Center

There is one train station in Alton.

All train stations in Alton:

  • Multi-Modal Transportation Center

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.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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