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Mendota to Chicago train

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Mendota - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Mendota and Chicago. The average train journey from Mendota to Chicago takes one hour and 44 minutes, but some Amtrak Illinois Zephyr train trips are as short as one hour and 40 minutes.

Distance80 mi (129 km)
Fastest train1h 40m
Lowest price$10.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Illinois Zephyr
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Mendota to Chicago

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.3

5.0

Joseph

December 11, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Train left on time and actually arrived early. Nice not having to deal with traffic and parking.Fully loaded going to Chicago conductor help find us seats very helpful. Power outlets by all seats to charge equipment. Tips: Be on time.

4.0

Janice

October 7, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Close to home. Cons: Be on time.

4.0

Janice

September 28, 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Comfortable trip! Cons: More on time!

4.0

Bessie

June 29, 2019- Vacation

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Loved taking the train into Chicago instead of driving. Cons: A little confusing at Union station. Had trouble figuring out where to go to get on the train back to mendota.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Mendota to Chicago was $15.46. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $17.81 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$30$20$10AprMay

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Mendota to Chicago will range from $13 to $26. If you're planning to travel by train to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Mendota you can find in the next 7 days is $14. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$25$20$15$10$5MJJASONDJFMA
The price of a train ticket from Mendota to Chicago remains pretty stable, regardless of when you plan to travel. Tickets on this route usually cost $20 throughout the year.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

The price of train trips from Mendota 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 Mendota to Chicago?

There are 3 train lines with service from Mendota to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Carl Sandburg11h 43m$13.28
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr11h 40m$16.82
Amtrak Southwest Chief11h 51m$21.37

  • The Amtrak Carl Sandburg, named after the Pulitzer-winning author, is a sister service to the Illinois Zephyr. Both operate daily services between Chicago and Quincy with additional stops in Naperville and Kewanee. Whether you buy a coach class or business class ticket, you'll have plenty of legroom and complimentary WiFi, plus access to refreshments at the onboard cafe.

  • The Illinois Zephyr is a passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between Quincy and Chicago. Taking the train from Mendota to Chicago is a comfortable option, and tickets on this route cost on average. The Illinois Zephyr and its sister train, the Carl Sandburg, serve one of Amtrak's most popular lines. The train features amenities such as airline-style coach seating, a cafe on board, power outlets, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.

  • 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 Mendota to Chicago in about 1 hours and 51 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

The distance between Mendota and Chicago is approximately 80 miles, or 129 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 40 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Mendota to Chicago on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Mendota at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Mendota to Chicago.

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

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 Mendota?

Main departure station: 783 Main St

There is one train station in Mendota.

All train stations in Mendota:

  • 783 Main St

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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