Trains from Chicago to Mattoon
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Trip Summary
There are 7 daily trains from Chicago to Mattoon. Traveling by train from Chicago to Mattoon usually takes around 6 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Illini Service train can make the trip in 2 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 170 mi (274 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 50m |
| Lowest price | $18.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Mattoon
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Train service from Chicago to Mattoon
- Amtrak tickets: $30 one-way
- Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: $18 one-way
- Amtrak Illini Service tickets: $22 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Mattoon?
In the last month, $22.32 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Mattoon. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 19 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $67.83 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Mattoon will vary between $19 and $123. Planning a train trip to Mattoon within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is $22. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Mattoon by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for September. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $20 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Mattoon in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $31 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 19 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Mattoon from Chicago will be about $67.83 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Chicago to Mattoon?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Mattoon. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 6 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 20h 21m | $109.20 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 3h 7m | $20.91 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 2h 50m | $23.18 |
Amtrak
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 6 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Mattoon every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $30.
Amtrak City of New Orleans
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 Mattoon. 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.
Amtrak Illini Service
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Mattoon during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Mattoon?
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Mattoon. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Mattoon?
The distance between Chicago and Mattoon is approximately 170 miles, or 274 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 10 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 50 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
When are trains the most crowded?
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Chicago to Mattoon. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Chicago at 12:00am 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.
Is there a direct train from Chicago to Mattoon?
There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Mattoon. 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 Mattoon 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: Chris Yunker
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.
All train stations in Chicago:
Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
Union Station
1116 Depot St
Penn Station
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Gateway Center
101 N Chicago St
1400 W Markham St
11 W Baltimore Ave
2702 W Washington St
Multi-Modal Transportation Center
Union Station - 1701 Wynkoop Street
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
Airport - 5601 S 6th St
902 Washington Ave
Where is the train station in Mattoon?
Main arrival station: 1718 Broadway Ave
Mattoon has one train station.
All train stations in Mattoon:
1718 Broadway Ave
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