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Mattoon to Chicago train

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Mattoon - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Mattoon and Chicago. The average train journey from Mattoon to Chicago takes 3 hours and 35 minutes, but some Amtrak Illini Service train trips are as short as 3 hours and 26 minutes.

Distance170 mi (274 km)
Fastest train3h 26m
Lowest price$15.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Illini Service
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Mattoon to Chicago

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.4

5.0

august

November 16, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Ease of reservations travel. Cons: Nothing at this point. Tips: Book early.

5.0

Diana

November 28, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: Totally enjoyed the whole experience. Cons: Trains running on time. Tips: Bring snacks.

1.0

Jay

July 29, 2019- Couples trip

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: I liked the ease of not driving to Chicago. I also thought the price was fair. I also liked the trip from Chicago to Mattoon. Cons: We waited for an hour only to be told that the train would be at least two hours late due to some malfunction. The Greyhound bus driver said we all could hop on the bus. He was super helpful but the bus ride was not what we wanted. We went because we felt we had no other choice but it took much longer than planned, the bathroom was broken, and it was very cramped. Tips: Make sure your train is running and running on time.

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What is the price of a train ticket from Mattoon to Chicago?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Mattoon to Chicago was $22.45. 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 19 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $19.22 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10MJJASONDJFMA
Taking the train from Mattoon to Chicago usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $23 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

The price of train trips from Mattoon to Chicago doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Mattoon to Chicago?

There are 4 train lines with service from Mattoon to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak24h 2m$18.17
Amtrak City of New Orleans13h 53m$24.00
Amtrak Illini Service13h 26m$26.41
Amtrak Saluki13h 28m$30.97

  • 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 Mattoon to Chicago every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $15.

  • 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 Mattoon 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 trains that can take you the entire way from Mattoon to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Mattoon and Chicago is approximately 170 miles, or 274 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 26 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.

Trains departing from Mattoon to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Mattoon at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 Mattoon to Chicago.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Mattoon.

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 Mattoon?

Main departure station: 1718 Broadway Ave

There is one train station in Mattoon.

All train stations in Mattoon:

  • 1718 Broadway Ave

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

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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