Chicago, IL to Normal, IL train with Amtrak

Sat 19 Sept
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept

Cheapest price on 20 Sept

£19

Average ticket price on 20 Sept

£33

Fastest journey on 20 Sept

1 h 58 m

Average journey duration on 20 Sept

2 h 2 m

Trains on 20 Sept

4

Distance

186 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £19.

Fast trains

On Sun 20 Sept, we found 4 trains from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 186 km distance in an average of 2 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 6 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
    1:102h06
    Chicago, IL
    3:16Normal, IL
    £191One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    13:151h58
    Chicago, IL
    15:13Normal, IL
    £191One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    12:151h58
    Chicago, IL
    14:13Normal, IL
    £401One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    0:102h06
    Chicago, IL
    2:16Normal, IL
    £561One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 35m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £24, while a flight costs an average of £234.

Distance: 186 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£24

Average Price

Cheapest

£33

Average Price

£234

Average Price

£20

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 33m

Average total duration

5h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 16m

Average total duration

1h 16m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

2h 4m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL is a train with an average price of £24.

This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL:

A train is £9 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL costing on average £33.

A train is £210 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL costing on average £234.

The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 16m.

Other travel options to Normal, IL take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 5m.

Coach takes on average 5h 3m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Normal, IL including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £24 compared to roughly £20 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-4.32. The journey takes 2h 5m versus 2h 4m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Normal, IL train times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak3199:50 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h06
11:56 Uptown Station, Normal, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak2114:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h12
16:22 Uptown Station, Normal, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak42114:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h12
16:22 Uptown Station, Normal, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak30517:20 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h05
19:25 Uptown Station, Normal, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak30719:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h06
21:16 Uptown Station, Normal, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak0:10 Chicago, IL
2h06
2:16 Normal, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak1:10 Chicago, IL
2h06
3:16 Normal, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak12:15 Chicago, IL
1h58
14:13 Normal, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak13:15 Chicago, IL
1h58
15:13 Normal, IL0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Normal, 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.

Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:06, the last at 20:17. The fastest train covers the 186 km distance in 1h 58m.

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
186 km
Average train duration
2h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£11
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
1h 58m
First train
7:06
Last train
20:17
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
14 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 Chicago, IL to Normal, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Normal, 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 Amtrak Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest Amtrak 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: Chicago, IL to Normal, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Normal, 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 Normal, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £24.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL covers a distance of 186 km and takes approximately 1h 58m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL is 186 km.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL leaves at 7:06.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL departs at 20:17.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and Normal, IL. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Normal, IL is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, and it arrives at Uptown Station, Normal, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL is by train, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Chicago, IL to Normal, 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 Chicago, IL to Normal, IL offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Chicago skyline, suburban landscapes, and stretches of Illinois farmland. While it may not be traditionally scenic, it provides a glimpse into both city and countryside environments.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL is not feasible since the journey takes 1h 58m. However, there are 4 trains per day. The distance is 186 km.
Spending two to three days in Normal, IL is ideal to explore its main attractions such as Illinois State University, the Children's Discovery Museum, and the Constitution Trail.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL.

popular train stations

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

Most Chicago, IL to Normal, IL trains use the Union Station to Uptown Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Normal, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Chicago
Arrival train stations in Normal

Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Normal, IL leave from?

Trains from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL leave from Union Station. The station is 3 km from Chicago, IL city centre at 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA.
Union Station225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre

Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus28, 151 · 7m · £3 · every ~13 min

Union Station train station facilities and services

Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.

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

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

HomeTrainsTrains in USAChicago, IL to Normal, IL train

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