Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Centralia
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Chicago and Centralia. The average train journey from Chicago to Centralia takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, but some Amtrak City of New Orleans train trips are as short as 4 hours and 18 minutes.
| Distance | 245 mi (394 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 18m |
| Lowest price | $26.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 4 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Centralia?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Centralia was $34.91. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Centralia if you book your train tickets at least 28 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $18.21.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Centralia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Centralia will cost between $30 and $66. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Chicago to Centralia. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 28 days before departure, you can save around $18.21. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Centralia?
There are 4 train lines with service from Chicago to Centralia. Amtrak is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 12h 15m | $37.43 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 4h 18m | $43.09 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 4h 29m | $46.43 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 4h 29m | $42.71 |
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 Chicago to Centralia every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $26.
The City of New Orleans is an Amtrak route that runs daily trains from Chicago to New Orleans and vice versa. The City of New Orleans includes a sightseer lounge with panoramic windows for the best views of the five states along the route. Affordable Coach seats cost about for a trip from Chicago to Centralia. However, the City of New Orleans also offers private roomettes and bedrooms for added comfort and luxury (and a higher price). Passengers who book sleeper accommodations will enjoy included meals, and all passengers can stop into the cafe car to purchase meals and snacks.
Since 1973, Amtrak's Illini Service has provided reliable train transportation to 11 Illinois cities. The Illini operates as an evening commuter train from Chicago to Carbondale, while its sister train, the Amtrak Saluki, runs the morning route. Commuters rely on this service as a safe and convenient transportation option every day. Each train offers WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating. Illini trains meet the highest federal standard for reducing emissions, with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions.
Since its inception in 2006, the Amtrak Saluki line has offered daily train trips between Chicago and Carbondale. The Amtrak Saluki operates along 500 kilometers of railroad, stopping at numerous midwestern towns like Kankakee, Rantoul, and Effingham. The trains on this line are equipped with onboard WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning, and a cafe car, with the option to upgrade to business class seating. This line is known for using trains that produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than other trains, meaning that your trip is green as well as convenient.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Centralia
The distance between Chicago and Centralia is approximately 245 miles, or 394 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 18 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 Chicago to Centralia tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. 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 Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Centralia. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Centralia 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?
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 Centralia?
Main arrival station: 110 South Oak St
Centralia has one train station.
All train stations in Centralia:
110 South Oak St
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