Cheap train tickets from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL

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

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL. Traveling by train from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL usually takes 2 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in one hour and 54 minutes.

Distance
86 mi (139 km)
Fastest train
1h 54m
Lowest price
$13.00
Trains per day
5
Most frequent service
Amtrak Lincoln Service
Train lines
3

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!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.
Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL (Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Julie

June 10, 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak Lincoln Service
Pros: Comfortable and on time. Outlets worked. Able to charge.

5.0

Terese

July 5, 2019 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Lincoln Service
Pros: It was fast and convenient and I saved money because I did not have to pay for parking in Chicago. Tips: This is a great way to travel to Chicago.

What is the price of a train ticket from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL was $21.80. 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 10 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $81.87 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL by travel date

$75$50$25OctOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL will cost between $19 and $73. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL 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 $24. If you're thinking of traveling from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $51 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

$125$100$75$50$25010

By booking your train trip from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time, you can save about $81.87 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 1m$33.31
Amtrak Lincoln Service31h 56m$26.38
Amtrak Texas Eagle12h 11m$78.17
  • 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 Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $19.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu
  • 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.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL

There are 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, IL.

Trains per day

5

Direct trains

5

The distance between Pontiac, IL and Chicago, IL is approximately 86 miles, or 139 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 54 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Distance (mi)

86

Distance (km)

139

The earliest train departs Pontiac, IL at 7:31am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:46pm. 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

7:31am

Last train

8:46pm

Trains from Pontiac, IL to Chicago, IL are the most crowded on Friday. 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

Friday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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 Pontiac, IL?

Main departure station: 721 W Washington St

There is one train station in Pontiac, IL.

All train stations in Pontiac, IL:

  • 721 W Washington St

Where is the train station in Chicago, IL?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0CHIUST-2

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, IL:

  • Union Station

Need a return trip from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, IL?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

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.