Cheap train tickets from St Louis to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from St Louis to Chicago. Traveling by train from St Louis to Chicago usually takes 6 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lincoln Service train can make the trip in 4 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 262 mi (422 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 55m |
| Lowest price | $29.00 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lincoln Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
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St Louis to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from St Louis to Chicago?
There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from St Louis to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$92.52 | Avg. Price$64.25Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips8 |
Duration | Duration6h 8mFaster | Duration7h 44m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from St Louis to Chicago (Based on 82 ratings and reviews)
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St Louis to Chicago Route Map
There are several train options that can take you from St Louis to Chicago:
- Amtrak Lincoln Service: 3 daily trains from $29
- Amtrak: 2 daily trains from $29
- Amtrak Texas Eagle: 1 daily train from $41
What is the price of a train ticket from St Louis to Chicago?
Over the past month, the average train ticket price from St. Louis to Chicago was $62.45. Ensure the most cost-effective travel experience by booking your trip a minimum of 12 days in advance. Waiting until the last minute may mean an additional expense of around $57.29.
Average train ticket prices from St Louis to Chicago by travel date
October is the best time to book a train ticket from St. Louis to Chicago, where tickets cost an average of $62. On the flip side, making the same trip in December will be the most expensive at about $99 for a ticket. To secure the best deals for all your train tickets, it’s advisable to book in advance.
Average train ticket prices from St Louis to Chicago by month
In the next 30 days, a one-way train from St. Louis to Chicago will cost between $41 and $105. Ensure a budget-friendly journey by booking your tickets in advance to avoid potential price increases closer to your travel date.
Prices as travel date approaches
Plan ahead and save with Wanderu! Book your St. Louis to Chicago train ticket 12 days early to save $57.29. Don’t miss out on these savings — skip the last-minute rush!
What train companies travel from St Louis to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from St Louis to Chicago, including Amtrak Lincoln Service, Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Lincoln Service | 3 | 5h 1m | $62.51 |
| Amtrak | 2 | 7h 59m | $90.50 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 5h 39m | $158.49 |
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 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 St Louis to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $29.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Louis to Chicago
Both train and bus travel offer similar average durations of about 5 hours and 30 minutes. However, there are notable differences. Traveling by bus is more budget-friendly, with train tickets averaging around $30, while bus tickets cost only about $15 on average. Moreover, bus travel provides more flexibility with over 22 daily scheduled trips, including five direct routes. In contrast, there are usually five daily scheduled train trips. Ultimately, whether you opt for the economical and flexible bus or the comfortable train ride depends on your travel priorities and preferences.
There are 5 trains per day that go from St. Louis to Chicago, serviced by 2 different Amtrak lines: the Amtrak Lincoln Service and the Amtrak Texas Eagle.
Five of the approximately six daily scheduled trains offer a direct connection to Chicago. Although some direct connections may include stops, you won’t need to change trains during your journey. Choose the direct train for a faster and more convenient route to Chicago.
TRIPS PER DAY
6
DIRECT TRIPS
5
Covering a distance of approximately 262 miles or 422 kilometers, the average train journey takes 5 hours and 53 minutes. The fastest travel time to Chicago is 4 hours and 55 minutes. Most trains come equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stream music, podcasts, browse social media, or work during the ride. However, when the signal is spotty, or in the rare case of trains without Wi-Fi, our pro tip is to download your entertainment in advance to ensure an enjoyable trip regardless of the Wi-Fi situation.
DISTANCE (MI)
262
DISTANCE (KM)
422
The first train sets off from St. Louis to Chicago at 4 am, and the last departs at 11 pm. For a comprehensive schedule of all departure times, utilize the search function on this page.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:30am
LATEST TRAIN
11:00pm
Trains from St. Louis to Chicago experience their peak crowd levels on Monday. Ticket prices also tend to be highest on this day. If you’re seeking savings and a more spacious journey, opt for a Tuesday trip, known for having fewer passengers and potentially lower fares.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
St Louis
St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.
Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.
Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.
The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the center of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.
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 does the train leave from in St Louis?
Main departure station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.
All train stations in St Louis:
- Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
Where does the train arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Union Station
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
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