Cheap train tickets from Cincinnati to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Cincinnati to Chicago. Traveling by train from Cincinnati to Chicago usually takes 9 hours and 4 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 252 mi (406 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 4m |
| Lowest price | $65.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Cincinnati to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Cincinnati to Chicago?
There are usually 12 daily bus trips available from Cincinnati to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$132.16 | Avg. Price$96.47Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips12 |
Duration | Duration9h 4mFaster | Duration9h 52m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Cincinnati to Chicago (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Cincinnati to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Cincinnati to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Cincinnati to Chicago was $65.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $157.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Cincinnati to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Cincinnati to Chicago will cost between $63 and $97. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Cincinnati to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Cincinnati to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $89. If you're thinking of traveling from Cincinnati to Chicago during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $172 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Cincinnati to Chicago on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $157.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Cincinnati to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Cincinnati to Chicago, including Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 9h 4m | $132.16 |
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Cincinnati to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 9 hours and 4 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Cincinnati to Chicago
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chicago 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 Chicago to Cincinnati. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Cincinnati to Chicago for $39.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Cincinnati and Chicago is approximately 252 miles, or 406 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 4 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)
252
DISTANCE (KM)
406
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Cincinnati at 2:21am and arrives in Chicago around 9 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
2:21am
LATEST TRAIN
2:21am
Trains from Cincinnati to Chicago are the most crowded on Monday. 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
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Cincinnati
A city famous for its idyllic beauty and quaint quarters, Cincinnati is the destination for tourists who wish to stay away from a large crowd. On a bright sunny day in Cincinnati, head over to Eden Park. Encompassing over 183 acres of green space and tree groves, the park lives up to its name, and there are some scenic ponds where you can unwind as well as take a few amazing pictures. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum might sound like a scary place to visit, but its tranquility and amazing landscape design, which was ahead of its time, will make it worth the while to check it out. For those who still crave some liveliness, watching a game at the Great American Ball Park, home of the oldest professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds, will be an unforgettable experience.
Cincinnati features a very diverse food scene in spite of its German roots. If you are looking to try out some refreshing Mediterranean dishes, head over to Abigail Street, one of the local favorites. For authentic German dishes, the door at Mecklenburg Gardens welcomes you.
There’s not a central bus station in the city, as each of the different bus carriers serving Cincinnati operates out of a different location. The principal Amtrak train station is the Union Terminal on Western Ave. Cincinnati is served by Amtrak’s Cardinal line. The city’s main airport is the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is located in Hebron, Kentucky.
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 Cincinnati?
Main departure station: Union Terminal - 1301 Western Ave
Cincinnati’s Union Terminal is a living museum and train station with service operated by Amtrak. The art deco train station opened in 1933 and is now part of the Cincinnati Museum Center. Visitors can ogle dinosaur skeletons in the Museum of Natural History and travel back in time to an old-fashioned city street in the Cincinnati History Museum. To serve the 1.4 million annual visitors to these museums, the center offers a coat check, gift shops, and three dining rooms where travelers can stop in for ice cream or a draft beer before boarding their train. Amtrak’s Cardinal line runs through Union Terminal on its route from Chicago to New York, and travelers can travel to other cities along this line, such as Toledo and Cleveland.
All train stations in Cincinnati:
- Union Terminal - 1301 Western Ave
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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Cincinnati?
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