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Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Joliet and Essex. The average train journey from Joliet to Essex takes 36 hours and 8 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 35 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 1326 mi (2134 km) |
| Fastest train | 35h 5m |
| Lowest price | $134.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Joliet to Essex?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Joliet to Essex. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 1d 12h 9m | $233.50 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Joliet to Essex every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $134.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Joliet and Essex is approximately 1326 miles, or 2134 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 36 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 35 hours and 5 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Joliet to Essex on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Joliet at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Essex to Joliet.
City Information
Joliet
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionJoliet is the third-largest city in Illinois and a suburb about 35 miles outside of Chicago. Most striking in Joliet is its limestone architecture, which you can see in the 40-room Jacob Henry Mansion and Post Office, built in 1876 and 1903, respectively. The Rialto Square Theatre is another historic building where many musicals, concerts, and comedy shows perform each week. Aside from its history, Joliet has gorgeous natural spaces, including the Forest Preserve District, perfect for fishing and hiking, and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where 27 protected bison live.
Roll the dice at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel for an epic night out in Joliet. If you prefer to fill your stomach instead of emptying your wallet, choose from several on-site dining options in the hotel. Downtown Joliet is also known for its culinary opportunities, from fine dining at Juliet's Tavern to quick bites at Joliet Route 66 Diner.
Amtrak's Lincoln Service from St. Louis and the Texas Eagle from San Antonio stop in Joliet on their routes to Chicago. The quick trip to Chicago makes it easy to connect to many of Amtrak's other train lines, plus additional bus routes beyond the ones offered by Tornado Bus and El Expreso Bus directly to Joliet.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Joliet?
Main departure station: Gateway Center
There is one train station in Joliet.
All train stations in Joliet:
Gateway Center
Where is the train station in Essex?
Main arrival station: 290 Izaak Walton Inn Rd
Essex has one train station.
All train stations in Essex:
290 Izaak Walton Inn Rd
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Need a return trip from Essex to Joliet?
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