Alton, IL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri 19 Dec
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 21 Dec

Cheapest price

£37

Average price

£38

Fastest journey

4 h 11 m

Average duration

4 h 33 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

393 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Alton, IL for Chicago, IL every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 393 km distance in an average of 4 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 11 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
10:144h11
Alton, IL
14:25Chicago, IL
£371One-way
0 changes
Amtrak
09:304h55
Alton, IL
14:25Chicago, IL
£391One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Alton, IL to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a flight costs an average of £39.

Distance: 393 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£44

Average Price

£267

Average Price

£42

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 56m

Average total duration

4h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 24m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

7h 24m

Average total duration

6h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.2 - 2.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Alton, IL to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Alton, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 20:07
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak20:39 Alton, IL
4h21
01:00 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak23:24 Alton, IL
4h19
03:43 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Sunday 21 December
amtrak09:30 Alton, IL
4h55
14:25 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak10:14 Alton, IL
4h11
14:25 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Alton, IL to Chicago, IL by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec
Thu
25 Dec
Fri
26 Dec
Sat
27 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

Trains from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 393 km distance in 4h 11m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
393 km
Average train duration
4h 26m
Cheapest ticket price
£20
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
4h 11m
First train
04:30
Last train
23:00
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Amtrak from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Alton, IL and Chicago, IL from £20. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 11m
Cheapest Price
£20
Amtrak frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Alton, IL to Chicago, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
The train journey from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL offers a blend of scenic views, with glimpses of the Mississippi River and rural landscapes transitioning into suburban areas as you approach the vibrant skyline of Chicago.
Yes, there is a direct train between Alton, IL and Chicago, IL. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Booking trains from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry for interactive exhibits on science and technology or discover the vibrant neighbourhoods of Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, renowned for their unique shops and eateries. Take a river cruise to admire the city's iconic architecture, or enjoy a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Spend a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the U.S. and free to enter. For sightseeing, visit Millennium Park with its modern art installations, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Skydeck for panoramic city views, or the Field Museum to see the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
To get from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
The cost of a train ticket from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £20, while the average price tends to be around £44.
A day trip from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 11m. Trains run 5 times per day. The distance is 393 km.
The cheapest way to get from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL is by train, costing approximately £20.
The train station in Alton, IL that goes to Chicago, IL is Alton Station, Alton, IL, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The train distance from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL is 393 km.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL.
The train journey from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 393 km and takes approximately 4h 11m. Trains run 5 per day.
The first train from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 4:30.
The last train from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL departs at 23:00.
Trains from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL run approximately 5 times per day.
There is no night train service from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Alton, IL and Chicago, IL

Alton
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Alton is Alton Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Alton Station for your trip from Alton to Chicago.
Alton StationDiningAccessibility
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km

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