Cheap train tickets from St Louis to Rockford
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from St Louis to Rockford. Traveling by train from St Louis to Rockford usually takes 9 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 258 mi (416 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 40m |
| Lowest price | $67.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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St Louis to Rockford Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from St Louis to Rockford?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from St Louis to Rockford.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$100.09 | Avg. Price$72.50Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration9h 26mFaster | Duration13h 11m |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from St Louis to Rockford (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from St Louis to Rockford:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from St Louis to Rockford?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from St Louis to Rockford was $79.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 6 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $36.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from St Louis to Rockford by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Louis to Rockford will cost between $64 and $99. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from St Louis to Rockford by month
Ticket prices for the train from St Louis to Rockford 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 $78. If you're thinking of traveling from St Louis to Rockford during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $108 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from St Louis to Rockford on Wanderu at least 6 days ahead of time, you can save about $36.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from St Louis to Rockford?
There are multiple trains that travel from St Louis to Rockford, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 9h 26m | $100.09 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from St Louis to Rockford every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $67.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Louis to Rockford
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Rockford to St Louis. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from St Louis to Rockford for $49.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between St Louis and Rockford is approximately 258 miles, or 416 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 40 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
258
DISTANCE (KM)
416
The earliest train departs St Louis at 4:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:40pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:30am
LATEST TRAIN
5:40pm
Trains from St Louis to Rockford are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
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.
Rockford



Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.
Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.
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 Rockford?
Main arrival station: Van Galder Bus Office
The Van Galder Bus Office is located just off Interstate 51 in Rockford, Illinois. Although the bus stop doesn't have much in terms of amenities, it's in a resting area for road trips and buses. Grab coffee at the Starbucks, food at Burger King, or stay overnight in the Garden Inn just across the street. The terminal, which is operated by Van Galder Buses, services buses that run between Rockford and Madison, as well as Chicago O'Hare Airport and Union Station in downtown Chicago. Within the station building, there's a waiting room for you to enjoy your latte or burger, and a ticket kiosk if you have any questions about your trip.
All train stations in Rockford:
- Van Galder Bus Office
Need a return trip from Rockford to St Louis?
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