Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Chicago to Cincinnati. Traveling by train from Chicago to Cincinnati usually takes 13 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 8 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 252 mi (406 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 32m |
| Lowest price | $67.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Cincinnati?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Cincinnati was $72.67. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Cincinnati if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $223.24.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Cincinnati on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $223.24 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Cincinnati?
2 train services operate from Chicago to Cincinnati. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 3d 18h 48m | $468.67 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 8h 33m | $85.20 |
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 Chicago to Cincinnati every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $423.
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 Chicago to Cincinnati per day, with an average trip length of 8 hours and 33 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Chicago and Cincinnati is approximately 252 miles, or 406 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 32 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 from Chicago to Cincinnati 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 5:00am and arrives in Cincinnati around 8 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to Chicago.
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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main departure 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
10251 St Edwards Dr
Pacific Central Station
Where is the train station in Cincinnati?
Main arrival 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
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Cincinnati to Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
Continue by train from Cincinnati
- Train from Cincinnati to Grand Canyon Village
$311+
- Cincinnati to Los Angeles
$289+
- Cincinnati to Washington D.C.
$114+
- Train from Cincinnati to Orlando
$284+
- Train from Cincinnati to Chicago
$67+
- Train from Cincinnati to Indianapolis
$23+
- Train from Cincinnati to Louisville
$61+
- Train from Cincinnati to New Orleans
$242+
- Cincinnati to Boston
$303+
- Train from Cincinnati to Detroit
$148+
- Cincinnati to Newark Train
$175+
- Cincinnati to New York Train
$172+
- Train from Cincinnati to Cleveland
$146+
- Train from Cincinnati to Philadelphia
$157+
- Train from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh
$100+
- Cincinnati to Dallas Train
$242+
- Cincinnati to Seattle Train
$287+
- Cincinnati to Columbus
$117+
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more