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Cheap train tickets from Galesburg to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Galesburg to Chicago. Traveling by train from Galesburg to Chicago usually takes 3 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carl Sandburg train can make the trip in 2 hours and 55 minutes.
- Distance
- 156 mi (251 km)
- Fastest train
- 2h 55m
- Lowest price
- $19.00
- Trains per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Southwest Chief
- Train lines
- 3
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Galesburg to Chicago Train Schedule
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There are several train options that can take you from Galesburg to Chicago:
- Amtrak Carl Sandburg tickets: $19 one-way
- Amtrak Illinois Zephyr tickets: $19 one-way
- Amtrak Southwest Chief tickets: $29 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Galesburg to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Galesburg to Chicago was $32.56. 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 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $35.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Galesburg to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Galesburg to Chicago will cost between $24 and $50. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Galesburg to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Galesburg to Chicago 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 $38. If you're thinking of traveling from Galesburg to Chicago during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $63 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Galesburg to Chicago on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $35.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Galesburg to Chicago?
There are 3 train lines with service from Galesburg to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carl Sandburg | 1 | 2h 55m | $28.58 |
| Amtrak Illinois Zephyr | 1 | 2h 56m | $39.25 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 3h 41m | $57.10 |
The Amtrak Carl Sandburg, named after the Pulitzer-winning author, is a sister service to the Illinois Zephyr. Both operate daily services between Chicago and Quincy with additional stops in Naperville and Kewanee. Whether you buy a coach class or business class ticket, you'll have plenty of legroom and complimentary WiFi, plus access to refreshments at the onboard cafe.
The Illinois Zephyr is a passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between Quincy and Chicago. Taking the train from Galesburg to Chicago is a comfortable option, and tickets on this route cost $39.25 on average. The Illinois Zephyr and its sister train, the Carl Sandburg, serve one of Amtrak's most popular lines. The train features amenities such as airline-style coach seating, a cafe on board, power outlets, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.
The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Galesburg to Chicago in about 3 hours and 41 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Galesburg to Chicago
There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Galesburg to Chicago. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Galesburg. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Galesburg to Chicago for $161.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
The distance between Galesburg and Chicago is approximately 156 miles, or 251 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 55 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)
156
Distance (km)
251
The earliest train departs Galesburg at 7:37am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:56pm. 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
7:37am
Last train
6:56pm
Trains from Galesburg to Chicago 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Saturday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
Galesburg
Galesburg is best known as the birthplace of writer and poet Carl Sandburg, with the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site erected in his honor. If you love the look of Carl’s boyhood cottage, you can stay in a historic home of your own – several, including the Great House of Galesburg, have been converted into charming bed-and-breakfasts across town.
Galesburg is also known for its historic involvement in the local railroad system, notably connecting Illinois’ largest (at the time) cities, Chicago and Quincy. In fact, the Galesburg Railroad Museum functions solely to preserve and share the history of the railroad industry in Galesburg and Western Illinois. The city even holds an annual festival, the Galesburg Railroad Days, complete with rides, live music, and open-air markets to celebrate the city’s railroad roots. And it’s not just literal railroads– Galesburg was originally founded by abolitionists and became a critical stop to freedom in the Underground Railroad.
Galesburg remains a major railway hub, acting as one of the stops for some of Amtrak’s most popular lines. The Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, and Southwest Chief all operate daily to connect Galesburg west to Chicago. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr reaches all the way to Los Angeles. Galesburg also has two main bus stations for Greyhound and Burlington Trailways. These carriers provide coverage to Denver, St. Louis, and Moline, which has the closest airport to Galesburg, Quad Cities Airport.
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 Galesburg?
Main departure station: 225 S Seminary St
There is one train station in Galesburg.
All train stations in Galesburg:
- 225 S Seminary St
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Main arrival 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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Galesburg?
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