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Cheap train tickets from Appleton to Chicago

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Appleton to Chicago Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Appleton to Chicago?

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Appleton to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$38.97
Avg. Price
$59.63
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
1
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
6h 7m
Duration
6h 30m

Trip Summary

There is usually just one train option from Appleton to Chicago per day. The average train journey from Appleton to Chicago takes 6 hours and 30 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 6 hours and 24 minutes.

Distance169 mi (273 km)
Fastest train6h 24m
Lowest price$51.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Appleton to Chicago

(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Toni

February 25, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak

I like trusting Amtrak and not worry about driving into Chicago.

5.0

Joshua

January 7, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: i’ve been taking the train every now and then so it’s kinda familiar, the staff are amazing and treat you as their own kids if your of that age. Cons: in my opinion nothing. Tips: be cautious and wary if when are where your needed. don’t be afraid to talk to strangers they might be lost or going the same way.

5.0

ruth

November 23, 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: Great connection at an amazingly low price. Cons: I would like a train from Appleton to Milwaukee.

5.0

Janice

September 11, 2019- Business

Amtrak

The time was right - early morning commute made it possible to get to O'Hare airport for flight to Seattle. Cheaper trip by Amtrak than flying out of Appleton to Chicago.

5.0

Jackelin

July 5, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: It was a comfortable trip. Cons: It was ok.

What is the price of a train ticket from Appleton to Chicago?

Over the past month, a train ticket between Appleton and Chicago cost $54.13, on average. Booking your trip at least 15 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $5.91 more.

Average train ticket prices from Appleton to Chicago by travel date

$75$50$25NovNov

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Appleton to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between $51 and $66 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Appleton is $53.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15DJFMAMJJASON
The price of a train ticket from Appleton to Chicago remains pretty stable, regardless of when you plan to travel. Tickets on this route usually cost $56 throughout the year.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

The price of train trips from Appleton to Chicago doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Appleton to Chicago?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Appleton to Chicago. 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak16h 30m$57.81

  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Appleton to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $51.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Appleton to Chicago

While the train is the main method of transportation from Appleton to Chicago, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Appleton and Chicago is approximately 169 miles, or 273 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 24 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 departing from Appleton to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. 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 Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Appleton at 10:00am and arrives in Chicago around 6 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Appleton.

City Information

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 is the train station in Appleton?

Main departure station: Appleton Transit Ctr

There is one train station in Appleton.

All train stations in Appleton:

  • Appleton Transit Ctr

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

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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