Wanderu Logo
United States flag
  • Canada
CZK
Log in
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from Alton to Chicago

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Alton to Chicago Train Schedule

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Alton to Chicago. Traveling by train from Alton to Chicago usually takes 4 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in 4 hours and 11 minutes.

Distance246 mi (396 km)
Fastest train4h 11m
Lowest priceCZK 547.14
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines3

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Alton to Chicago

(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)

4.5

4.0

Visa

November 26, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Beats driving

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.

See more details

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 CZK 1,043.98. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 1,602.69 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Alton to Chicago by travel date

CZK 2,841CZK 1,894CZK 947AugAug

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Alton to Chicago will cost between CZK 673 and CZK 2,652. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Alton to Chicago by month

CZK 1,578CZK 1,263CZK 947CZK 631CZK 316SONDJFMAMJJA
Ticket prices for the train from Alton to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only CZK 989. If you're thinking of traveling from Alton to Chicago during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 1,578 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

CZK 2,104CZK 1,684CZK 1,263CZK 842CZK 4213020100

By booking your train trip from Alton to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 1,602.69 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

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 21mCZK 1,275.67
Amtrak Lincoln Service34h 18mCZK 1,002.10
Amtrak Texas Eagle14h 53mCZK 2,340.91

  • 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 CZK 800.

  • 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 CZK 800, 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 Union Station .

    From Alton to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 4 hours and 53 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

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 28 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 Thursday. 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 Friday 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: Union Station

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:

  • Union Station

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Chicago by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Chicago to Alton?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Alton

Continue by train from Chicago

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.