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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Alton

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Chicago to Alton Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Chicago and Alton. The average train journey from Chicago to Alton takes 4 hours and 9 minutes, but some Amtrak Lincoln Service train trips are as short as 3 hours and 57 minutes.

Distance246 mi (396 km)
Fastest train3h 57m
Lowest price€21.13
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines3

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Alton

(Based on 16 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Dorian

September 18, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: It was comfortable and relaxing and peaceful. Cons: Variety of food and snacks. Tips: No.

5.0

Jeremy

July 8, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Lincoln Service

So nice having both seats to myself with my luggage just above me.

5.0

ALASANA

January 4, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Pros: Everything about the train was just perfect. Cons: I think it’s a good. Tips: Not at this point.

5.0

James

October 1, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Pros: Comfort. Cons: Nothing really. Tips: Be willing to move to accommodate couples so they can sit together.

5.0

Alonzo

September 13, 2022- Business

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Pros: Quite and comfortable. Cons: Being on time. Tips: Just know you might be late to a business meeting.

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Chicago and Alton cost €31.82, on average. This is a great bargain given the length of the route. Booking your trip at least 23 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around €21.50 more.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Alton by travel date

€79€53€26AprMay

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Alton is expected to fluctuate between €23 and €69 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Alton in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Chicago is €24.

Monthly avg. prices

€66€53€40€26€13MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Alton. 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 Chicago to Alton during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about €48 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

€66€53€40€26€133020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Chicago to Alton. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 23 days before departure, you can save around €21.50. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Alton?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak14h 8m€43.40
Amtrak Lincoln Service34h 8m€35.82
Amtrak Texas Eagle14h 16m€42.66

  • 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 Chicago to Alton every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €21.

  • 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 Chicago to Alton start from €26, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to Alton. Amtrak Texas Eagle in Chicago leaves from Chicago (Union Station), Illinois . And in Alton trains arrive at Multi-Modal Transportation Center .

    From Chicago to Alton train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 4 hours and 16 minutes. If you are looking to get to Alton faster, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 57 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to Alton on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Texas Eagle scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Alton

The distance between Chicago and Alton is approximately 246 miles, or 396 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 57 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Alton on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 Chicago to Alton.

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

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 Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Alton?

Main arrival station: Multi-Modal Transportation Center

Alton has one train station.

All train stations in Alton:

  • Multi-Modal Transportation Center

Get around town with Moovit

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