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.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Springfield to Waterloo. Traveling by train from Springfield to Waterloo usually takes 21 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can make the trip in 16 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 642 mi (1033 km) |
| Fastest train | 16h 25m |
| Lowest price | $128.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Springfield to Waterloo?
2 train services operate from Springfield to Waterloo. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 23h 46m | $190.00 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 1 | 16h 26m | $128.00 |
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 Springfield to Waterloo every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $187.
The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is an overnight train that runs along some of the best shorelines in the U.S., connecting New York City and Boston with Chicago. The service provides top-tier amenities to its passengers, including free WiFi and dining onboard. The Lake Shore Limited departs from Union Station Transportation Center in Springfield and arrives at 485 West Van Vleek Street in Waterloo. The route takes about 16 hours and 26 minutes and ticket prices start at $128.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Springfield and Waterloo is approximately 642 miles, or 1033 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 19 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 16 hours and 25 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 from Springfield to Waterloo are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Springfield at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. 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 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Springfield to Waterloo. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Waterloo to Springfield.
City Information
Springfield
Image credit: Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos
Link to image attributionFounded in 1636 as the first Springfield in North America, this city sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. Perhaps best known as the birthplace of basketball, Springfield is a mecca for b-ball fans. Visitors can enjoy three levels of exhibits and interactive contests at the famous Basketball Hall of Fame.
Along with basketball, Springfield was also the birthplace of the immensely popular children's author, Theodore Geisel—more commonly known as Dr. Seuss. Enjoy a walk through the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden to see many of his most famous characters immortalized in bronze. History buffs should head to the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, highlighting the town's important role as an arsenal during the Revolutionary War.
Springfield's central location between major tourist destinations like NYC, Boston, and the Berkshires means that it can be reached easily by most modes of transport. The city is served by several Amtrak lines and Peter Pan and Greyhound buses. Bradley International Airport and Westover Metropolitan Airport are also closeby, with frequent flights from destinations around the country.
Waterloo
Image credit: Unsplash
Waterloo is a town in Indiana, getting its unique name from the city of the same name in Belgium. Despite being a small town, it offers a wide range of activities for families and sports lovers. You can take golf classes at the Bridgewater Golf Club or go skating with the family at the Skatin' Station. The family-friendly town is home to the Ft Wayne Children's Zoo and Potawatomi Zoo. During your visit, some historical markers to check out include the Immaculate Conception Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Shopping enthusiasts will be pleased in Waterloo, as the town is home to different specialty shops and boutiques. You can also visit when the De Kalb County Fair is in town, offering special events and auctions. The Summer Parade and Festival is an annual highlight in Waterloo, offering delicious food, activities for all ages, and fun presentations.
Waterloo is known as the crossroads of Northeastern Indiana, as it connects several major transportation routes. The travel hub has routes like I-69, US G, and IN 427 and is the only Amtrak passenger train stop in northeast Indiana.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Springfield?
Image credit: Katherine Johnson
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Union Station Transportation Center
Union Station is an iconic landmark in Springfield that just finished renovations in 2016—which means you get the historic charm plus modern AC. Original features include the impressive entrance clock, wooden train schedule, and terrazzo flooring. You might stop at Union Station on an Amtrak itinerary via the Northeast Regional line. Or, if you're commuting locally, you may transfer to the CTrail Hartford Line. Greyhound and Peter Pan provide bus services to the area as well, with connections across New England. Since the station operates with so many carriers, the waiting area has plenty of space and seating, ticket kiosks, and plenty of snack options like Dunkin Donuts and Subway.
All train stations in Springfield:
Union Station Transportation Center
Where is the train station in Waterloo?
Main arrival station: 485 West Van Vleek Street
Waterloo has one train station.
All train stations in Waterloo:
485 West Van Vleek Street
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Waterloo to Springfield?
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.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more