Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sun 19 Apr
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
West Midlands Trains
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
West Midlands Trains
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 19 Apr

Cheapest price

£23

Average price

£66

Fastest journey

2 h 19 m

Average duration

2 h 27 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

189 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Bloomington, IL for Chicago, IL every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 189 km distance in an average of 2 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 41 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.

  • Amtrak300 Lincoln Service
    7:062h19
    Uptown Station, Normal, IL
    9:25Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak302 Lincoln Service
    9:162h24
    Uptown Station, Normal, IL
    11:40Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
    17:352h25
    Uptown Station, Normal, IL
    20:00Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £401One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak306 Lincoln Service
    20:172h26
    Uptown Station, Normal, IL
    22:43Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £401One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak22 Texas Eagle
    11:082h41
    Uptown Station, Normal, IL
    13:49Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £1921One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £11, and a coach costs an average of £23.

Distance: 189 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£27

Average Price

Cheapest

£36

Average Price

2h 56m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 44m

Average total duration

5h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday 18 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner17:35 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h25
20:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Sunday 19 April
amtrak306 Lincoln Service20:17 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h26
22:43 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak300 Lincoln Service7:06 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h19
9:25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak302 Lincoln Service9:16 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h24
11:40 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak22 Texas Eagle11:08 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h41
13:49 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare train and coach 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
19 Apr
Mon
20 Apr
Tue
21 Apr
Wed
22 Apr
Thu
23 Apr
Fri
24 Apr
Sat
25 Apr

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:06, the last at 20:17. The fastest train covers the 189 km distance in 2h 19m.

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
189 km
Average train duration
2h 26m
Cheapest ticket price
£11
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
2h 19m
First train
7:06
Last train
20:17
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
35 days
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 Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Bloomington, IL and Chicago, IL from £11. 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
2h 19m
Cheapest Price
£11
Amtrak frequency
4 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: Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bloomington, 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
The cost of a train ticket from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £27.
The train journey from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 189 km and takes approximately 2h 19m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL is 189 km.
The first train from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 7:06.
The last train from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL departs at 20:17.
Trains from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bloomington, IL and Chicago, IL. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL.
The train station in Bloomington, IL that goes to Chicago, IL is Uptown Station, Normal, IL, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL is by train, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL offers occasional scenic views, especially as it traverses through rural landscapes and small towns. However, much of the route passes through urban and industrial areas, which may limit the overall scenic experience.
A day trip from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 19m. However, there are 4 trains available per day. The distance is 189 km.
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 fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

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

Bloomington
Chicago
Union StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transport options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

More options for your journey from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, IL Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone