5.0
Pros: Ease of boarding at the pick up destination. Cons: Restrooms, definitely. Tips: Plenty of room, below and above. Bring what you are going to need for your trip.
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to Pontiac. Traveling by train from Chicago to Pontiac usually takes one hour and 34 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in one hour and 28 minutes.
| Distance | 86 mi (139 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 28m |
| Lowest price | $9.00 |
| Trains per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lincoln Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Pontiac
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.5
Train service from Chicago to Pontiac
- Amtrak tickets: $9 one-way
- Amtrak Lincoln Service tickets: $9 one-way
- Amtrak Texas Eagle tickets: $13 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Pontiac?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Pontiac was $13.35. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Pontiac if you book your train tickets at least 28 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $41.05.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Pontiac will range from $10 to $47. If you're planning to travel by train to Pontiac in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Chicago you can find in the next 7 days is $10. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Chicago to Pontiac, with the average price at just $17. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in March, when the average price goes up to $22. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Chicago to Pontiac, book online with Wanderu at least 28 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $41.05 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Chicago to Pontiac?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Pontiac. Amtrak Lincoln Service is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1h 34m | $16.12 |
| Amtrak Lincoln Service | 2 | 1h 32m | $13.82 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 1h 38m | $38.52 |
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 Pontiac every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $9.
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.
Amtrak Texas Eagle train tickets from Chicago to Pontiac start from $13, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to Pontiac. Amtrak Texas Eagle in Chicago leaves from Chicago (Union Station), Illinois . And in Pontiac trains arrive at 721 W Washington St .
From Chicago to Pontiac train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you are looking to get to Pontiac faster, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 28 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Pontiac on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Texas Eagle scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Chicago and Pontiac is approximately 86 miles, or 139 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 28 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Trains from Chicago to Pontiac are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 4 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Pontiac.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Pontiac 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: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Where is the train station in Pontiac?
Main arrival station: 721 W Washington St
Pontiac has one train station.
All train stations in Pontiac:
721 W Washington St
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