Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Plano

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

One way
Round trip

Find cheap hotels

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

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.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Chicago to Plano Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Plano. Traveling by train from Chicago to Plano usually takes 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carl Sandburg train can make the trip in 56 minutes.

	Distance	49 mi (79 km)
	Fastest train	0h 56m
	Lowest price	RON 39.76
	Trains per day	2
	Most frequent service	Amtrak Carl Sandburg
	Train lines	2

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

The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to Plano is RON 41.97, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 16 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay RON 39.01 more.

Monthly avg. prices

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Plano often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only RON 53. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Plano during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 84 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Plano?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Plano. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak Carl Sandburg	1	0h 56m	RON 61.76
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr	1	0h 58m	RON 78.86

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.
The Illinois Zephyr is a passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between Quincy and Chicago. Taking the train from Chicago to Plano 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.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Plano

The distance between Chicago and Plano is approximately 49 miles, or 79 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 56 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Plano.

Trains departing from Chicago to Plano tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

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.

Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Plano with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

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

Main arrival station: 101 W Main St

Plano has one train station.

All train stations in Plano:

101 W Main St

Get around town with Moovit

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

From the Wanderu blog

Amtrak Guest Rewards Now Available Through Wanderu Read more

How to Travel with Your Bicycle by Bus or Train Read more

What Kind of ID You Need to Travel by Bus or Train Read more

Need a return trip from Plano to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

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.