background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from Normal to Chicago

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

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:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Normal to Chicago Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Normal to Chicago?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Normal to Chicago.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$78.68

Avg. Price

$40.52

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

3

Daily Trips

4

Duration

Duration

8h 40m

Duration

2h 25m

Search BusesSearch Trains

Trip Summary

5 trains operate daily from Normal to Chicago. The train trip from Normal to Chicago is usually about 2 hours and 27 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 19 minutes.

Distance118 mi (190 km)
Fastest train2h 19m
Lowest price$10.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Normal to Chicago

(Based on 16 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Douglas

September 3, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: It was on time and arrive at the next destination on time. Cons: Seating and the biding process to get a better seat. Tips: Not at this time.

5.0

James

August 28, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: The peace & the sights! Cons: it was a bit cold,,temperature control would be great. Tips: Bring your own snacks because canteen is closed at night!

5.0

Colleen

May 26, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: Staff was helpful ... I appreciated help with my bag on and off the train. Cons: The train was little warm on the way back from Chicago. I also had trouble in the business class section, getting my foot rest to extend. Tips: Just beware, not many people were wearing masks.

5.0

Bing

November 10, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: i forgot to bring print copy of my ticket, and worried when i can't access eticket either. but front counter crew just print one copy after i show my ID. Super fast service and nice seat. Cons: I always bring my running battery computer. Tips: Bring a blanket when you travel at night. It makes your feel warmer if you wrapped in a blanket and huddle in seat.

5.0

Lisa

November 23, 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Pros: That I didn't have to drive! The stations were very clean and staff was great. Cons: I would like to see more Security or Police making rounds. I didn't see many security cameras in Chicago. Tips: Sit back and relax!

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Normal and Chicago cost $26.47, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 10 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $32.86 more.

Average train ticket prices from Normal to Chicago by travel date

$105$70$35NovNov

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Normal to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between $15 and $101 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Normal is $15.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10DJFMAMJJASON
Ticket prices for the train from Normal to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $19. If you're thinking of traveling from Normal to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $29 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Normal to Chicago. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 10 days before departure, you can save around $32.86. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Normal to Chicago?

There are 3 train lines with service from Normal to Chicago. Amtrak Lincoln Service is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 26m$28.83
Amtrak Lincoln Service32h 23m$26.53
Amtrak Texas Eagle12h 37m$57.24
  • 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 Normal to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $10.

  • Amtrak Lincoln Service is part of Amtrak's Illinois Service, providing rail transportation throughout Illinois. The Lincoln Service travels 284 miles between St. Louis and Chicago with nine intermediate stops. Amtrak Lincoln trains offer WiFi connectivity, power outlets, business class seating, and a cafe car to ensure passengers have the most comfortable journey possible.

  • Amtrak Texas Eagle train tickets from Normal to Chicago start from $16, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Texas Eagle schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Texas Eagle in Normal leaves from Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir . And in Chicago trains arrive at Chicago (Union Station), Illinois .

    From Normal to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Texas Eagle takes 2 hours and 37 minutes. If you are looking to get to Chicago faster, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 19 minutes.

    If you're considering a weeked trip, Amtrak Texas Eagle offers 2 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Chicago.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Normal to Chicago

Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from Normal 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 Normal and Chicago is approximately 118 miles, or 190 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 19 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.

Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Normal 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 Normal at 7:00am 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 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Normal to Chicago.

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

City Information

Normal

Normal is a town in North Bloomington, adjacent to Bloomington. The town got its unique name in 1865 from the Illinois State Normal University, a normal school that is a teacher-training institution. Normal features the Children's Discovery Museum, Illinois State University Planetarium and Carden Park for children, and the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History for history buffs. If you're interested in exploring the outdoors, you can take a walk on the Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary or Constitution Trail or play on the Ironwood Golf Course. Sports lovers can also check out the Redbird Arena, where basketball games are held.

Normal features a vibrant entertainment scene with different breweries and beer halls. You can participate in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival or watch shows at the Normal Theater. Normal also has a vineyard and wine bars, with most activities available in Uptown Normal, the micro-urban city center. The Uptown area has different entertainment venues, dining, and retail establishments.

You can visit Normal, Illinois, by train or bus. The city is accessible from many other cities by train, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and Amtrak Lincoln Service. As for the bus lines, you can access the city from over 80 other cities onboard buses from Jefferson Lines, Amtrak Thruway, and Burlington Trailways.

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 Normal?

Main departure station: Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir

There is one train station in Normal.

All train stations in Normal:

  • Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir

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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Chicago by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Chicago to Normal?

Search Train Tickets

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.