Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Louisville

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Chicago to Louisville. Traveling by train from Chicago to Louisville usually takes 12 hours, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance: 269 mi (433 km)
Fastest train: 12h
Lowest price: DKK 526.36
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Chicago to Louisville Train Schedule

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

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Louisville?

There are usually 15 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Louisville.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceDKK 578.87	Avg. PriceDKK 435.63Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips1	Daily Trips15
Duration	Duration12h	Duration7h 11mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Louisville:

Amtrak tickets: DKK 526 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Louisville was DKK 548.93. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around DKK 93.69 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Louisville by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Louisville will cost between DKK 520 and DKK 665. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Louisville by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Louisville 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 DKK 520. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Louisville during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of DKK 605 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Louisville on Wanderu at least 9 days ahead of time, you can save about DKK 93.69 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Louisville?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Louisville. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	12h	DKK 578.89

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 Louisville every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from DKK 526.36.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Louisville

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Louisville for DKK 227.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Louisville is approximately 269 miles, or 433 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours, Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

269

Distance (km)

433

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 5:55pm and arrives in Louisville around 12 hours later.

First train

5:55pm

Last train

5:55pm

Trains from Chicago to Louisville are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Thursday

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.

Louisville

A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honor of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.

Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favorites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.

The central bus station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.

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 Louisville?

Main arrival station: Louisville Bus Station

The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound bus services. The station is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.

All train stations in Louisville:

Louisville Bus Station

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