Cheap train tickets from Chicago to St Louis
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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Chicago to St Louis. Traveling by train from Chicago to St Louis usually takes 5 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in 4 hours and 46 minutes.
| Distance | 262 mi (422 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 46m |
| Lowest price | $29.00 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lincoln Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Chicago to St Louis Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Chicago to St Louis?
There are usually 10 daily bus trips available from Chicago to St Louis.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$93.07 | Avg. Price$76.89Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips10 |
Duration | Duration5h 45mFaster | Duration7h 52m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to St Louis (Based on 86 ratings and reviews)
5.0
January 18, 2026 - Solo travel
Amtrak5.0
November 1, 2025 - Solo travel
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
October 31, 2025 - Solo travel
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
October 24, 2025 - Business
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
July 20, 2025 - Visiting friends
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
July 7, 2025 - Solo travel
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
July 5, 2025 - Visiting friends
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
October 28, 2024 - Solo travel
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
September 7, 2024
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
May 31, 2024 - Couples trip
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
May 24, 2024 - Visiting family
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
May 9, 2024 - Business
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
April 20, 2024 - Visiting family
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
April 16, 2024 - Business
Amtrak Lincoln Service5.0
April 9, 2024 - Visiting family
Amtrak Lincoln ServiceThere are several train options that can take you from Chicago to St Louis:
- Amtrak Lincoln Service: 3 daily trains from $29
- Amtrak: 2 daily trains from $29
- Amtrak Texas Eagle: 1 daily train from $41
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to St Louis?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to St Louis was $61.16. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $81.63 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to St Louis by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to St Louis will cost between $41 and $121. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to St Louis by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to St Louis 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 $63. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to St Louis during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $103 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to St Louis on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $81.63 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Chicago to St Louis?
There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to St Louis, including Amtrak Lincoln Service, Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Lincoln Service | 3 | 4h 56m | $57.85 |
| Amtrak | 2 | 7h 30m | $89.48 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 5h 15m | $165.37 |
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 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 2 Amtrak trains from Chicago to St Louis every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $29.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to St Louis
Yes, there are 3 bus companies that offer service from Chicago to St. Louis: Greyhound, Megabus and OurBus. Of those, Ourbus is the cheapest, with tickets averaging about $15.
The Amtrak Texas Eagle is the more expensive of the two train lines, with tickets averaging about $10 more than the Lincoln Service (which is also known as the Illinois Service). There are 3 Lincoln Service trains per day, versus just 1 Texas Eagle, which means you’ll have more options to fit your schedule on the Lincoln line. Otherwise, both trains take about 5 hours 30 minutes, and they take the same route, which passes through Bloomington, IL and Springfield, IL on the way to St. Louis.
St. Louis is a terrific destination to travel with your family, if your kids can endure the almost 6 hour train ride. Thankfully, Amtrak trains are very comfortable, which should make the time go by faster. St. Louis itself has plenty of fun activities for your family. The City Museum is among the best in the entire U.S. for children, with interactive exhibits the kids can climb all over, making it a good venue to let out some energy. The St. Louis Zoo is well-known for its impressive collection of animals, and the iconic Gateway Arch is a site to behold.
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to St Louis. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from St Louis to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to St Louis for $39.
TRIPS PER DAY
6
DIRECT TRIPS
5
The distance between Chicago and St Louis is approximately 262 miles, or 422 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 46 minutes. 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)
262
DISTANCE (KM)
422
The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:15am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:05pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:15am
LATEST TRAIN
8:05pm
Trains from Chicago to St Louis 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
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.
St Louis
St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.
Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.
Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.
The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the center of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in St Louis?
Main arrival station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.
All train stations in St Louis:
- Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
Need a return trip from St Louis to Chicago?
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