Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Appleton
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Appleton. Traveling by train from Chicago to Appleton usually takes 5 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 20 minutes.
- Distance
- 169 mi (273 km)
- Fastest train
- 4h 20m
- Lowest price
- RON 244.40
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Chicago to Appleton Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Appleton?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Appleton.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 303.39 | Avg. PriceRON 214.79Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration5h 4m | Duration4h 59mFaster |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Appleton (Based on 9 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Appleton:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Appleton?
In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Appleton cost about RON 285 when booked at the cheapest time. 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 RON 28.61 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Appleton by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Appleton will cost between RON 264 and RON 326. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Appleton by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Appleton often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in July when the average ticket price is only RON 283. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Appleton during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 311 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Appleton on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 28.61 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Appleton?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Appleton. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 5h 4m | RON 303.40 |
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 Appleton every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 244.40.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Appleton
While the train is the main method of transportation from Chicago to Appleton, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.
Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Appleton to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Appleton for RON 134.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Chicago and Appleton is approximately 169 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 20 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)
169
Distance (km)
273
The earliest train departs Chicago at 11:10 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 1:05 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
11:10am
Last train
1:05pm
Trains from Chicago to Appleton are the most crowded on Sunday. 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
Sunday
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.
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 Appleton?
Main arrival station: Appleton Transit Ctr
Appleton has one train station.
All train stations in Appleton:
- Appleton Transit Ctr
Need a return trip from Appleton to Chicago?
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