Carlinville to Chicago Train - Amtrak Tickets CA$39

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Carlinville to Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Carlinville and Chicago. The average train journey from Carlinville to Chicago takes 4 hours and 7 minutes, but some Amtrak Lincoln Service train trips are as short as 3 hours and 54 minutes.

	Distance	215 mi (346 km)
	Fastest train	3h 54m
	Lowest price	CA$38.99
	Trains per day	3
	Most frequent service	Amtrak
	Train lines	3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Carlinville to Chicago

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Gary

December 31, 2025- Couples trip

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: Everything. Cons: Add more train station in more towns that connects saint Louis,Mo to southern Illinois all way up to Mt Olive,il and Litchfield,il. Tips: Okay.

Train service from Carlinville to Chicago

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Carlinville to Chicago was CA$57.55. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 8 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra CA$159.67.

Monthly avg. prices

Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Carlinville to Chicago. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of CA$58. If you're planning a trip from Carlinville to Chicago during December, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about CA$156 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Carlinville to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 8 days in advance. That way, you’ll save CA$159.67 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Carlinville to Chicago?

There are 3 train lines with service from Carlinville to Chicago. Amtrak is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	4h 9m	CA$121.92
Amtrak Lincoln Service	1	3h 54m	CA$74.78
Amtrak Texas Eagle	2	4h 26m	CA$142.31

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 2 Amtrak trains from Carlinville to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CA$39.
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 Carlinville to Chicago start from CA$57, and on average cost . Daily there are 2 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Texas Eagle in Carlinville leaves from 128 Alton Rd . And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station .
From Carlinville to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 4 hours and 26 minutes. If you are looking to get to Chicago faster, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 54 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 Carlinville to Chicago

The distance between Carlinville and Chicago is approximately 215 miles, or 346 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 54 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 Carlinville to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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.

The earliest train departs Carlinville at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Carlinville to Chicago.

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

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 Carlinville?

Main departure station: 128 Alton Rd

There is one train station in Carlinville.

All train stations in Carlinville:

128 Alton Rd

Where is the train station in Chicago?

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

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