Cheap train tickets from Princeton to Chicago

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Princeton to Chicago. Traveling by train from Princeton to Chicago usually takes 2 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Illinois Zephyr train can make the trip in 2 hours and 2 minutes.

Distance
101 mi (163 km)
Fastest train
2h 2m
Lowest price
CZK 260.87
Trains per day
3
Most frequent service
Amtrak Carl Sandburg
Train lines
3

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Princeton to Chicago Train Schedule

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Princeton to Chicago (Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.5

4.0

Shayla

October 31, 2023 - Solo travel

Amtrak Southwest Chief
Pros: Chuck the announcer was spooky. Cons: The cars themselves are just very outdated and gross. It smells like a bowling alley in there. Tips: bring nose plugs and ear plus

4.0

Daniel

April 19, 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr
Pros: Comfortable and stress free trip to downtown Chicago Cons: Departure 15 min late, arrival 30 min late. Not all Amtrak’s fault but need to eliminate delays to be dependable.

5.0

Marcia

April 1, 2022 - Visiting family

Amtrak Carl Sandburg
Cons: Great. Keep that route going between Princeton IL and Chicago!!

5.0

Kathleen

March 11, 2022 - Vacation

Amtrak Carl Sandburg
Cons: Restrooms need to be cleaned regularly Tips: Get in line early as no assigned seats and if you want to sit with your group and get a seat you have to fight

5.0

Mya

December 15, 2021 - Visiting family

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr
Pros: Arriving early

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Princeton to Chicago was CZK 261. 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 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 699.36 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Princeton to Chicago by travel date

CZK 795CZK 530CZK 265OctOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Princeton to Chicago will cost between CZK 283 and CZK 783. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Princeton to Chicago by month

CZK 1,600CZK 1,280CZK 960CZK 640CZK 320JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Princeton to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only CZK 478. If you're thinking of traveling from Princeton to Chicago during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 1,587 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

CZK 975CZK 780CZK 585CZK 390CZK 19501020

By booking your train trip from Princeton to Chicago on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 699.36 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Princeton to Chicago?

There are 3 train lines with service from Princeton to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Carl Sandburg12h 4mCZK 454.72
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr12h 2mCZK 602.49
Amtrak Southwest Chief12h 35mCZK 746.92
  • The Amtrak Carl Sandburg, named after the Pulitzer-winning author, is a sister service to the Illinois Zephyr. Both operate daily services between Chicago and Quincy with additional stops in Naperville and Kewanee. Whether you buy a coach class or business class ticket, you'll have plenty of legroom and complimentary WiFi, plus access to refreshments at the onboard cafe.

  • The Illinois Zephyr is a passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between Quincy and Chicago. Taking the train from Princeton to Chicago is a comfortable option, and tickets on this route cost CZK 602.49 on average. The Illinois Zephyr and its sister train, the Carl Sandburg, serve one of Amtrak's most popular lines. The train features amenities such as airline-style coach seating, a cafe on board, power outlets, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.

  • The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Princeton to Chicago in about 2 hours and 35 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Princeton to Chicago

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Princeton to Chicago. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Princeton.

Trains per day

3

Direct trains

3

The distance between Princeton and Chicago is approximately 101 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 2 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.

Distance (mi)

101

Distance (km)

163

The earliest train departs Princeton at 8:31 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 7:47 PM. 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

8:31am

Last train

7:47pm

Trains from Princeton to Chicago 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Wednesday

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 Princeton?

Main departure station: 107 Bicentennial Dr

There is one train station in Princeton.

All train stations in Princeton:

  • 107 Bicentennial Dr

Where is the train station in Chicago?

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:

  • Union Station

Need a return trip from Chicago to Princeton?

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