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Chicago to Mendota train

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Chicago - Mendota Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 3 daily trains from Chicago to Mendota. Traveling by train from Chicago to Mendota usually takes around one hour and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in one hour and 21 minutes.

Distance80 mi (129 km)
Fastest train1h 21m
Lowest price$12.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Southwest Chief
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Mendota

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Rebecca

May 5, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

First time rider. Was my trip back home from visiting Chicago.

First time rider. Was my trip back home from visiting Chicago.

5.0

Joseph

December 12, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Train was on time much easier than driving to Chicago and back. Cons: Top space for bags was a little narrow bag didn’t fit but had enough floor space to put it in. Tips: Be prepared for your departure when they announce your stop you should be getting ready to d...

Pros: Train was on time much easier than driving to Chicago and back. Cons: Top space for bags was a little narrow bag didn’t fit but had enough floor space to put it in. Tips: Be prepared for your departure when they announce your stop you should be getting ready to depart they are on a schedule.

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5.0

Craig

December 17, 2019- Business

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Very relaxing ride to Chicago and back.

Very relaxing ride to Chicago and back.

5.0

Nathan

November 28, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Very easy to get a ticket last minute. The train departed and arrived exactly on time and the staff was very helpful. Cons: The WiFi wasn't working so I had to use my phone. I was only on the train for a little over an hour, so I didn't worry about escalating o...

Pros: Very easy to get a ticket last minute. The train departed and arrived exactly on time and the staff was very helpful. Cons: The WiFi wasn't working so I had to use my phone. I was only on the train for a little over an hour, so I didn't worry about escalating or asking for assistance. Tips: Sit back, relax and enjoy your ride.

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Train service from Chicago to Mendota

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

In the last month, $13.02 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Mendota. 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 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $13.76 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Mendota will vary between $12 and $60. Planning a train trip to Mendota within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is $12. 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

$25$20$15$10$5AMJJASONDJFM
Traveling from Chicago to Mendota by train will cost you about the same regardless of the time of year for which you plan your trip. In general, train ticket prices for that route don’t fluctuate much throughout the year, so expect to pay around $13 whenever you decide to board the train to Mendota.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Since the average price of train trips from Chicago to Mendota remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your train tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the train selling out.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Mendota?

There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Mendota. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Carl Sandburg11h 24m$15.94
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr11h 25m$19.94
Amtrak Southwest Chief11h 21m$18.99
  • Amtrak Carl Sandburg

    Amtrak Carl Sandburg

    The Amtrak Carl Sandburg, named after the Pulitzer-winning author, is a sister service to the Illinois Zephyr. Both operate daily services between Chicago and Quincy with additional stops in Naperville and Kewanee. Whether you buy a coach class or business class ticket, you'll have plenty of legroom and complimentary WiFi, plus access to refreshments at the onboard cafe.

  • Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

    Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

    The Illinois Zephyr is a passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between Quincy and Chicago. Taking the train from Chicago to Mendota is a comfortable option, and tickets on this route cost on average. The Illinois Zephyr and its sister train, the Carl Sandburg, serve one of Amtrak's most popular lines. The train features amenities such as airline-style coach seating, a cafe on board, power outlets, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.

  • Amtrak Southwest Chief

    Amtrak Southwest Chief

    The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Chicago to Mendota in about 1 hours and 21 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Mendota 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.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Mendota?

The distance between Chicago and Mendota is approximately 80 miles, or 129 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 21 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Chicago to Mendota are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 Mendota?

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Mendota.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Mendota 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: Union Station

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:

  • Union Station

Where is the train station in Mendota?

Main arrival station: 783 Main St

Mendota has one train station.

All train stations in Mendota:

  • 783 Main St

Get around town with Moovit

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