background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Chicago to Springfield train

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
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.

Chicago - Springfield Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Springfield. Traveling by train from Chicago to Springfield usually takes 3 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in 2 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance179 mi (288 km)
Fastest train2h 55m
Lowest price$15.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Springfield

(Based on 21 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Ellie

November 25, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Pros: How on time the train was! Cons: Diming the lights would make it more comfortable! Tips: If you have to work/study, plan to download documents/turn offline features on ahead of time because the WIFI is very spotty and poor connection.

5.0

120east119place

August 5, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Nice and quiet. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Take the Amtrak you can rest.

5.0

Shailesh

February 4, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Great

5.0

K'Andre

November 6, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: The available seating. Cons: Lower prices. Tips: Eat before travel.

5.0

Kennetta

October 8, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: That traveling was easy and comfortable. Cons: All seats recline. Tips: No.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to Springfield is $27.73, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 19 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 $21.08 more.

Average prices by travel date

$150$100$50MarMar

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Springfield will cost between $21 and $144. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

$100$80$60$40$20AMJJASONDJFM
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Springfield. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $32. If you're planning a trip from Chicago to Springfield during June, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $84 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Springfield on Wanderu at least 19 days ahead of time, you can save about $21.08 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Springfield?

There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Springfield. Amtrak Lincoln Service is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13h 3m$35.02
Amtrak Lincoln Service33h 3m$27.59
Amtrak Texas Eagle13h 12m$52.58
  • 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 Springfield 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.

  • Amtrak Texas Eagle train tickets from Chicago to Springfield start from $21, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to Springfield. Amtrak Texas Eagle in Chicago leaves from Chicago (Union Station), Illinois . And in Springfield trains arrive at 100 N Third St .

    From Chicago to Springfield train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 3 hours and 12 minutes. If you are looking to get to Springfield faster, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 55 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to Springfield 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 Springfield is approximately 179 miles, or 288 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 55 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from Chicago to Springfield 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am 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 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Springfield.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Springfield 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.

Springfield

Springfield, IL, US - SPI-0

Image credit: Thank You (22.5 Millions+) views

Link to image attribution

There are 34 cities in America called Springfield, but the state capital of Illinois is one of the most well-known. Beyond Springfield's political clout as a state capital, it is known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln for many years, plus the site of his final resting place. While in town, you can visit President Lincoln's restored home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. An enormous bronze bust of Lincoln outside his tomb features a nose as shiny as a new penny, rubbed by scores of visitors who consider it good luck.

Springfield is one of the state's best destinations thanks to more than just history. Check out the incredible artistry on display in the capitol building's stained glass windows, or discover the dogwoods lining 5 miles of trails in the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Not to mention Springfield's bustling craft beer scene; hit up the city's microbreweries, nano breweries, and craft beer companies like the famous Springfield Beer Company.

It should be no surprise that one of the primary transportation methods to Springfield is called the Lincoln Service. This Amtrak train route stops in Springfield on its way from Chicago to St. Louis, and so does the Amtrak Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago. Amtrak Thruway buses run from Springfield to Peoria, where travelers can connect to further bus destinations.

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: 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 Springfield?

Main arrival station: 100 N Third St

Springfield has one train station.

All train stations in Springfield:

  • 100 N Third St

Get around town with Moovit

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

Need a return trip from Springfield 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.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android