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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.
| Distance | 54 mi (86 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 10m |
| Lowest price | €5.71 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Illini Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
Average score for trains from Chicago to Kankakee
(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
5.0
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
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.
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Kankakee was €10.26. 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 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around €4.49 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Kankakee will cost between €8 and €19. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
The average price of train tickets from Chicago to Kankakee is pretty stable year-round. However, we still suggest buying your train tickets at least 48 hours prior to departure to avoid unexpected price hikes and the possibility of the train being sold out.
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Kankakee. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 1h 17m | €16.46 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 1h 10m | €9.83 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 1h 11m | €9.22 |
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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Kankakee on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday 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 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 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.
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.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Kankakee has one train station.
199 S East Ave
€412+
€174+
€14+
€100+
€62+
€9+
€135+
€370+
€102+
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