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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from La Plata to Galesburg. Traveling by train from La Plata to Galesburg usually takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 128 mi (207 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 15m |
| Lowest price | $33.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Southwest Chief |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from La Plata to Galesburg?
Amtrak Southwest Chief is the one and only train line which connects La Plata to Galesburg. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 2h 15m | $33.00 |
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 La Plata to Galesburg in about 2 hours and 15 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
Trains departing from La Plata to Galesburg tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. 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 Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves La Plata at 9:00am and arrives in Galesburg around 2 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Galesburg with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Galesburg to La Plata.
City Information
Galesburg
Galesburg is best known as the birthplace of writer and poet Carl Sandburg, with the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site erected in his honor. If you love the look of Carl’s boyhood cottage, you can stay in a historic home of your own – several, including the Great House of Galesburg, have been converted into charming bed-and-breakfasts across town.
Galesburg is also known for its historic involvement in the local railroad system, notably connecting Illinois’ largest (at the time) cities, Chicago and Quincy. In fact, the Galesburg Railroad Museum functions solely to preserve and share the history of the railroad industry in Galesburg and Western Illinois. The city even holds an annual festival, the Galesburg Railroad Days, complete with rides, live music, and open-air markets to celebrate the city’s railroad roots. And it’s not just literal railroads– Galesburg was originally founded by abolitionists and became a critical stop to freedom in the Underground Railroad.
Galesburg remains a major railway hub, acting as one of the stops for some of Amtrak’s most popular lines. The Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, and Southwest Chief all operate daily to connect Galesburg west to Chicago. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr reaches all the way to Los Angeles. Galesburg also has two main bus stations for Greyhound and Burlington Trailways. These carriers provide coverage to Denver, St. Louis, and Moline, which has the closest airport to Galesburg, Quad Cities Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in La Plata?
Main departure station: 535 N Owensby St
There is one train station in La Plata.
All train stations in La Plata:
535 N Owensby St
Where is the train station in Galesburg?
Main arrival station: 225 S Seminary St
Galesburg has one train station.
All train stations in Galesburg:
225 S Seminary St
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