Wanderu Logo
United States flag
  • Canada
$
Log in
background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from Chicago to St Louis

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

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.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Chicago to St Louis Train Schedule

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

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

There are usually 7 daily bus trips available from Chicago to St Louis.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$58.85
Avg. Price
$54.90
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
7
Daily Trips
6
Duration
Duration
8h 24m
Duration
6h 0m

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 40 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in 4 hours and 46 minutes.

Distance262 mi (422 km)
Fastest train4h 46m
Lowest price$27.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines3

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to St Louis

(Based on 79 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Lorena

October 28, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Lincoln Service

La vista

5.0

Sherri

May 25, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

I've been traveling Amtrak to St. Louis for about two years, and the price and comfort is phenomenal.

5.0

Sam

May 9, 2024- Business

Amtrak Lincoln Service

I took my bike and found the process of rolling on and off with it very smooth

5.0

Priya

April 20, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

It was really good to travel in Amtrak I felt very safe and enjoyed

5.0

Jeanie

April 16, 2024- Business

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: So relaxing…enjoyed decompressing while watching the scenery fly by thru the window…bar car was open - purchased wine and just relaxed. Tips: Pay attention to announcements so you know where to line up for your train.

See more details

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 $45.23. This is an excellent price given the length of the route. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $41.01 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to St Louis by travel date

$105$70$35JanFeb

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to St Louis will cost between $40 and $91. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to St Louis by month

$75$60$45$30$15FMAMJJASONDJ
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 February when the average ticket price is only $49. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to St Louis during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $65 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

By booking your train trip from Chicago to St Louis on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about $41.01 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to St Louis?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak27h 8m$69.14
Amtrak Lincoln Service34h 57m$39.55
Amtrak Texas Eagle15h 15m$92.12

  • 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 $27.

  • 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 St Louis start from $39, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to St Louis. Amtrak Texas Eagle in Chicago leaves from Chicago (Union Station), Illinois . And in St Louis trains arrive at Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St .

    From Chicago to St Louis train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 5 hours and 15 minutes. If you are looking to get to St Louis faster, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 46 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to St Louis 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 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.

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to St Louis. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

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 40 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.

Trains from Chicago to St Louis are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 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.

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, MO - STL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis, MO - STL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis, MO - STL-2

Image credit: Unsplash

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 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 St Louis?

Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St - STLAMT-0

Image credit: Chris Yunker

Link to image attribution

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

Get around town with Moovit

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

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from St Louis to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Chicago

Continue by train from St Louis

Check out these popular routes

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.