background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Chicago to Kankakee train

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
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.

Chicago - Kankakee Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Kankakee. Traveling by train from Chicago to Kankakee usually takes one hour and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Illini Service train can make the trip in one hour and 10 minutes.

Distance54 mi (86 km)
Fastest train1h 10m
Lowest price$5.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Saluki
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Kankakee

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

John

May 27, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Qiuck. Cons: The Amtrak station in Kankakee has the bathroom lock because of Vandals. The customer should be able to use those facilities. Why does the paying customer get inconvenienced because of Law Breakers. Straighten it out, or hire me and I will straighten it out definitely!

5.0

Anna

May 20, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: Seriously easy boarding and disembarking. Cons: The train was a bit old and worn. They are in need of upgrading their seats, but it wasn't a serious hindrance.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Kankakee was $10.08. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $6.99 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$30$20$10MarApr

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Kankakee will cost between $7 and $17. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly avg. prices

$25$20$15$10$5AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Chicago to Kankakee, with the average price at just $11. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in November, when the average price goes up to $18. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Chicago to Kankakee, book online with Wanderu at least 27 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $6.99 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Kankakee?

There are 4 train lines with service from Chicago to Kankakee. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11h 16m$19.25
Amtrak City of New Orleans11h 16m$22.36
Amtrak Illini Service11h 10m$9.84
Amtrak Saluki11h 12m$9.30
  • 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 Kankakee every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $14.

  • 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 Kankakee. 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

The distance between Chicago and Kankakee is approximately 54 miles, or 86 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 10 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

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

The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:00am 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Kankakee.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Kankakee 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 Kankakee?

Main arrival station: 199 S East Ave

Kankakee has one train station.

All train stations in Kankakee:

  • 199 S East Ave

Get around town with Moovit

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

Need a return trip from Kankakee to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

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.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android