Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sat 10 Jan
+ Add return
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
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West Midlands Trains
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 10 Jan

Cheapest price

£16

Average price

£28

Fastest journey

2 h 19 m

Average duration

2 h 27 m

Trains per day

6

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 £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Bloomington, IL for Chicago, IL every day 6 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.

Amtrak306 Lincoln Service
20:172h26
Uptown Station, Normal, IL
22:43Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£161One-way
0 changes
Amtrak300 Lincoln Service
07:062h19
Uptown Station, Normal, IL
09:25Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£231One-way
0 changes
Amtrak318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
17:352h25
Uptown Station, Normal, IL
20:00Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£291One-way
0 changes
Amtrak302 Lincoln Service
09:162h24
Uptown Station, Normal, IL
11:40Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£291One-way
0 changes
Amtrak22 Texas Eagle
11:082h41
Uptown Station, Normal, IL
13:49Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£291One-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 coach with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 28m. 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 coach costs an average of £20, and a train costs an average of £11.

Distance: 189 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£41

Average Price

£34

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 41m

Average total duration

5h 11m

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, Friday 9 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 18:16
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak22:35 Bloomington, IL
2h25
01:00 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Saturday 10 January
amtrak300 Lincoln Service13:06 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h19
15:25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak302 Lincoln Service15:16 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h24
17:40 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak422 Texas Eagle17:08 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h41
19:49 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak22 Texas Eagle17:08 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h41
19:49 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.

Sat
10 Jan
Sun
11 Jan
Mon
12 Jan
Tue
13 Jan
Wed
14 Jan
Thu
15 Jan
Fri
16 Jan

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. 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 28m
Cheapest ticket price
£11
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
2h 19m
First train
07:06
Last train
20:17
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
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.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL is by train, costing approximately £11.
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.
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 distance from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL is 189 km.
The last train from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL departs at 20:17.
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 £41.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bloomington, IL and Chicago, IL. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
There is no night train service from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL.
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 station in Bloomington, IL that goes to Chicago, IL is Uptown Station, Normal, IL, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The first train from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 7:06.
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, you can take the train from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL.
To get from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

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

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