5.0
The Saluki is much better than the Illini. Friendly staff and very clean.
5.0
Comfort and not close to alot of people
5.0
Pros: First time felt welcomed and great service. Cons: Absolutely nothing.
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Kankakee - Chicago Train Schedule
- Sun,
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Wed,
- Sat
7:13 AM
9:15 AM
- Sun,
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Wed,
- Sat
11:31 AM
1:00 PM
- Sun,
- Tue,
- Wed,
- Sat
8:14 PM
9:45 PM
Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Kankakee to Chicago. The train trip from Kankakee to Chicago is usually about one hour and 41 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as one hour and 29 minutes.
| Distance | 54 mi (86 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 29m |
| Lowest price | $5.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak City of New Orleans |
| Train lines | 4 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Kankakee to Chicago
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Kankakee to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Kankakee to Chicago was $8.76. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. 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 $8.59 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kankakee to Chicago will cost between $8 and $13. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Kankakee to Chicago stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $12 regardless of when you plan to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
Since ticket prices on this route stay pretty consistent, you don’t need to book way in advance. However, we recommend buying your train ticket to Chicago at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to prevent any unpleasant surprises, like last-minute surges in price or sold-out tickets.
Which train should you take from Kankakee to Chicago?
There are 4 train lines with service from Kankakee to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1h 29m | $5.00 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 2h 3m | $14.40 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 1h 32m | $7.70 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 1h 30m | $10.39 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Kankakee to Chicago every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $5.
The City of New Orleans is an Amtrak route that runs daily trains from Chicago to New Orleans and vice versa. The City of New Orleans includes a sightseer lounge with panoramic windows for the best views of the five states along the route. Affordable Coach seats cost about for a trip from Kankakee to Chicago. However, the City of New Orleans also offers private roomettes and bedrooms for added comfort and luxury (and a higher price). Passengers who book sleeper accommodations will enjoy included meals, and all passengers can stop into the cafe car to purchase meals and snacks.
Since 1973, Amtrak's Illini Service has provided reliable train transportation to 11 Illinois cities. The Illini operates as an evening commuter train from Chicago to Carbondale, while its sister train, the Amtrak Saluki, runs the morning route. Commuters rely on this service as a safe and convenient transportation option every day. Each train offers WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating. Illini trains meet the highest federal standard for reducing emissions, with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions.
Since its inception in 2006, the Amtrak Saluki line has offered daily train trips between Chicago and Carbondale. The Amtrak Saluki operates along 500 kilometers of railroad, stopping at numerous midwestern towns like Kankakee, Rantoul, and Effingham. The trains on this line are equipped with onboard WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning, and a cafe car, with the option to upgrade to business class seating. This line is known for using trains that produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than other trains, meaning that your trip is green as well as convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from Kankakee to Chicago. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.
The distance between Kankakee and Chicago is approximately 54 miles, or 86 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 29 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Kankakee to Chicago. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Kankakee at 5:00am 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Kankakee to Chicago.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Kankakee.
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 Kankakee?
Main departure station: 199 S East Ave
There is one train station in Kankakee.
All train stations in Kankakee:
199 S East Ave
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main arrival 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
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