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Chicago to Princeton Train - Amtrak Tickets $11

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Chicago - Princeton Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to Princeton. Traveling by train from Chicago to Princeton usually takes one hour and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in one hour and 42 minutes.

	Distance	101 mi (163 km)
	Fastest train	1h 42m
	Lowest price	$11.00
	Trains per day	4
	Most frequent service	Amtrak California Zephyr
	Train lines	4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Princeton

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Tawny

December 3, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Great trip on train not the bus going to Chicago. Tips: Make sure you get the train not a bus.

5.0

Sidonna

September 16, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

Comfortable

5.0

Marshall

August 23, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Everything went smoothly as usual. Cons: The food in the cafe & the alcohol available could be better. Tips: Highly recommend Amtrak. Rode it several times never any issues. Cheaper than gas.

5.0

Lee Ann

April 11, 2022- Business

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: From Chicago to Princeton was fine. It was on time, smooth and comfortable. Cons: N/A.

5.0

Mya

December 19, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Wifi

5.0

Rosine

September 21, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

Pros: The train Left on time and arrived in Princeton on time. Cons: Absolutely nothing. Tips: Buy your ticket online before arriving at the station.

4.0

Jordan

July 25, 2021- Couples trip

Amtrak California Zephyr

Pros: Train departed on time and arrived at our destination early. Cons: We were only the 2nd stop from Chicago, but we never saw any amtrak staff once we boarded the train and our tickets were scanned. Our stop wasn't announced over the loudspeaker, which could've been bad if we hadn't seen the water tower on our way into town. Mask mandates were lifted in Illinois, but are still required on the train. Many people had masks around their chins or no mask at all.

5.0

Michael

July 5, 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

Pros: Everything. Cons: N/A.

3.0

Robert

June 10, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak California Zephyr

Pros: Ive not traveled by train before. It was quick and easy. Price was appropriate. Interesting people travel by train. Cons: Staff was new and not experienced. I asked where we were in relation to my stop. The man was able to find the answer, but I had to seek him out to find the answer. When It was time to exit the train, I had only 3 minutes. There was nobody at the door to let me exit the train. I had to find my luggage, and then find a way to let someone know that I wanted to exit. Really confusing. My brother was waiting for me there, and it was almost impossible to exit the train. I opened the window on the door myself and yelled to the conductor 25 yards away to let me off the train. It was really frustrating. People who are new to taking the train need to have special and specific attention. It made me feel like Amtrak is not a reliable way to travel if I am a first time traveler if you’re unfamiliar with how to get your luggage, and leave the train appropriately. Tips: Ask many questions. Tell the staff you need to know what you have to do when it’s time to leave.

Train service from Chicago to Princeton

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Princeton was $20.86. 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 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $13.91 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Princeton will cost between $19 and $26. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Princeton. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $18. If you're planning a trip from Chicago to Princeton during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $37 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Princeton on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $13.91 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Princeton?

There are 4 train lines with service from Chicago to Princeton. There is only one daily train on each service.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak California Zephyr	1	1h 45m	$40.08
Amtrak Carl Sandburg	1	1h 45m	$14.38
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr	1	1h 48m	$18.16
Amtrak Southwest Chief	1	1h 42m	$21.27

Amtrak California Zephyr is one of the longest train routes in the United States, spanning from Chicago to Emeryville. With views of the Colorado and Mississippi rivers, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Rockies, it highlights some of the most stunning views the US has.
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 Princeton 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.
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 Princeton in about 1 hours and 42 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

The distance between Chicago and Princeton is approximately 101 miles, or 163 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 42 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains departing from Chicago to Princeton tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. 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 Tuesday 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.

There are 4 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Princeton.

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

Main arrival station: 107 Bicentennial Dr

Princeton has one train station.

All train stations in Princeton:

107 Bicentennial Dr

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Chicago to Princeton train

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Chicago - Princeton Train Schedule

Trip Summary

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Train service from Chicago to Princeton

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

Average prices by travel date

Monthly average prices

Prices as travel date approaches

Which train should you take from Chicago to Princeton?

Amtrak California Zephyr

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Frequently Asked Questions

City Information

Chicago

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

All train stations in Chicago:

Where is the train station in Princeton?

Main arrival station: 107 Bicentennial Dr

All train stations in Princeton:

Get around town with Moovit

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Princeton to Chicago?

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Chicago

Continue by train from Princeton

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

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