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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Normal
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Normal. Traveling by train from Chicago to Normal usually takes 2 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in one hour and 58 minutes.
- Distance
- 118 mi (190 km)
- Fastest train
- 1h 58m
- Lowest price
- $15.00
- Trains per day
- 5
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Lincoln Service
- Train lines
- 3
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Chicago to Normal Train Schedule
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There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Normal:
- Amtrak tickets: $15 one-way
- Amtrak Lincoln Service tickets: $15 one-way
- Amtrak Texas Eagle tickets: $21 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Normal?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Normal was $27.44. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $55.23 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Normal by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Normal will cost between $16 and $122. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Normal by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Normal often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $30. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Normal during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $67 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Normal on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $55.23 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Normal?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Normal. Amtrak Lincoln Service is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 2h 6m | $31.64 |
| Amtrak Lincoln Service | 3 | 2h 3m | $27.92 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 2h 12m | $86.10 |
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 Normal every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $15.
Amtrak Lincoln Service is part of Amtrak's Illinois Service, providing rail transportation throughout Illinois. The Lincoln Service travels 284 miles between St. Louis and Chicago with nine intermediate stops. Amtrak Lincoln trains offer WiFi connectivity, power outlets, business class seating, and a cafe car to ensure passengers have the most comfortable journey possible.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Normal
There are 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Normal. You can also take a train for your return trip from Normal to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Normal for $29.
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
5
The distance between Chicago and Normal is approximately 118 miles, or 190 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 58 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Distance (mi)
118
Distance (km)
190
The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:15am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:10pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
7:15am
Last train
7:10pm
Trains from Chicago to Normal are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Monday
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.
Normal
Normal is a town in North Bloomington, adjacent to Bloomington. The town got its unique name in 1865 from the Illinois State Normal University, a normal school that is a teacher-training institution. Normal features the Children's Discovery Museum, Illinois State University Planetarium and Carden Park for children, and the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History for history buffs. If you're interested in exploring the outdoors, you can take a walk on the Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary or Constitution Trail or play on the Ironwood Golf Course. Sports lovers can also check out the Redbird Arena, where basketball games are held.
Normal features a vibrant entertainment scene with different breweries and beer halls. You can participate in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival or watch shows at the Normal Theater. Normal also has a vineyard and wine bars, with most activities available in Uptown Normal, the micro-urban city center. The Uptown area has different entertainment venues, dining, and retail establishments.
You can visit Normal, Illinois, by train or bus. The city is accessible from many other cities by train, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and Amtrak Lincoln Service. As for the bus lines, you can access the city from over 80 other cities onboard buses from Jefferson Lines, Amtrak Thruway, and Burlington Trailways.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
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 Normal?
Main arrival station: Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
Normal has one train station.
All train stations in Normal:
- Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
Need a return trip from Normal to Chicago?
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