Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Columbus
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Columbus. Traveling by train from Chicago to Columbus usually takes 4 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Borealis train can make the trip in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Distance
- 123 mi (198 km)
- Fastest train
- 2h 45m
- Lowest price
- CZK 476.20
- Trains per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Empire Builder
- Train lines
- 3
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:
Chicago to Columbus Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Columbus (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Columbus:
- Amtrak tickets: CZK 693 one-way
- Amtrak Borealis tickets: CZK 476 one-way
- Amtrak Empire Builder tickets: CZK 476 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Columbus?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Columbus was CZK 713. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. 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 CZK 521.44 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Columbus by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Columbus will cost between CZK 563 and CZK 1,558. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Columbus by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Columbus 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 CZK 779. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Columbus during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 1,255 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Columbus on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 521.44 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Columbus?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Columbus. Amtrak Empire Builder is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 6h 26m | CZK 981.84 |
| Amtrak Borealis | 1 | 2h 45m | CZK 870.73 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 2h 50m | CZK 984.80 |
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 Columbus every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 692.65.










Amtrak Borealis train tickets from Chicago to Columbus start from CZK 476.20, and on average cost CZK 870.73. Daily, Amtrak Borealis runs one schedule to Columbus. Amtrak Borealis in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Columbus trains arrive at 359 N Ludington St.
From Chicago to Columbus train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 2 hours and 45 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Columbus on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Borealis scheduled trip per day, which will cost CZK 476.20 for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Columbus
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Columbus. 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 Columbus to Chicago.
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
3
The distance between Chicago and Columbus is approximately 123 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 45 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.
Distance (mi)
123
Distance (km)
198
The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:10 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 3:05 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
6:10am
Last train
3:05pm
Trains from Chicago to Columbus 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Wednesday
Least crowded
Sunday
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 Columbus?
Main arrival station: 359 N Ludington St
Columbus has one train station.
All train stations in Columbus:
- 359 N Ludington St
Need a return trip from Columbus to Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
- Chicago to Miami TrainCZK 6,169+
- Chicago to Atlanta TrainCZK 5,411+
- Chicago to South Bend TrainCZK 584+
- Chicago to East Lansing TrainCZK 1,212+
- Chicago to Kalamazoo TrainCZK 844+
- Chicago to St Louis TrainCZK 1,277+
- Chicago to New York TrainCZK 4,221+
- Chicago to Nashville TrainCZK 2,533+
- Chicago to Houston TrainCZK 5,584+
- Chicago to Orlando TrainCZK 5,671+
- Chicago to Indianapolis TrainCZK 1,515+
- Chicago to Detroit TrainCZK 1,645+
- Chicago to Holland TrainCZK 736+
- Chicago to St Paul TrainCZK 1,688+
- Chicago to Omaha TrainCZK 2,403+
- Chicago to Memphis TrainCZK 1,970+
- Chicago to Dallas TrainCZK 3,680+
- Chicago to Milwaukee TrainCZK 584+
Continue by train from Columbus
- Columbus to Toronto TrainCZK 4,978+
- Columbus to Chicago TrainCZK 866+
- Columbus to Ann Arbor TrainCZK 3,442+
- Columbus to St Paul TrainCZK 952+
- Columbus to Las Vegas TrainCZK 10,714+
- Columbus to Cincinnati Train
- Columbus to Nashville TrainCZK 3,333+
- Columbus to Green Bay Train
- Columbus to Milwaukee TrainCZK 455+
- Columbus to Los Angeles TrainCZK 10,000+
- Columbus to Indianapolis TrainCZK 1,948+
- Columbus to Detroit TrainCZK 3,225+
- Columbus to St Louis TrainCZK 1,450+
- Columbus, WI to New York, NY TrainCZK 5,130+
- Columbus to Portland TrainCZK 5,844+
- Columbus to Seattle TrainCZK 5,584+
- Columbus to La Crosse TrainCZK 519+
- Columbus to Wisconsin Dells TrainCZK 238+
Check out these popular routes
- Montreal to Québec City TrainCZK 779+
- San Diego to Los Angeles TrainCZK 801+
- Orlando to Miami TrainCZK 1,126+
- Boston to New York TrainCZK 3,117+
- New York to Washington DC TrainCZK 2,857+
- New York to Philadelphia TrainCZK 1,710+
- Portland to Seattle TrainCZK 887+
- Providence to New York TrainCZK 3,160+
- Seattle to New York TrainCZK 10,390+
- Los Angeles to San Diego TrainCZK 909+
- Washington DC to New York TrainCZK 2,836+
- Boston to New Rochelle TrainCZK 2,489+
- Portland, ME to Seattle, WA TrainCZK 9,827+
- New York to Boston TrainCZK 2,944+
- New York to Providence TrainCZK 2,987+
- Philadelphia to New York TrainCZK 1,645+
- Seattle to Vancouver TrainCZK 1,364+
- Seattle to Portland TrainCZK 909+

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.




