- Must visit
Denver Art Museum
Major art museum with Indigenous art, Western collections and striking architecture; a leading stop for art and design in Denver.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£283
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£285
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
18 h 56 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
22 h 6 m
Trains on 13 Oct
2
Distance
1475 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO will cost around £285 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £283.
Fast trains
On Tue 13 Oct, we found 2 trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 1475 km distance in an average of 22 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 56 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 16 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.
5 California Zephyr14:0018h56Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:56Union Station, Denver, CO£2831One-way0 changes- 381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr7:4025h16Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:56Union Station, Denver, CO£2881One-way1 change
- 5 California Zephyr14:0018h56Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:56Union Station, Denver, CO£2831One-way0 changes
- 381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr7:4025h16Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:56Union Station, Denver, CO£2881One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO
USAUSA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 18h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £67 but you can travel from only £22 by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:40, the last at 21:59. The fastest train covers the 1475 km distance in 18h 54m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £22
Distance 1475 km |
Average train duration 18h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £67 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 18h 54m |
First train 7:40 |
Last train 21:59 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £22
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Denver, CO train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Denver, CO trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr | 7:40 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 25h16 | 7:56 Union Station, Denver, CO | 1 change | |
| 5 California Zephyr | 14:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 18h56 | 7:56 Union Station, Denver, CO | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Denver, CO from £22. 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
18h 54m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£67
Amtrak frequency
2 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
Complete guide to Denver, CO
Things to do in Denver, CO
Discover the best of Denver, CO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Denver, CO trip today.
- Must visit
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Interactive science museum with space, wildlife and health exhibits plus an IMAX theatre and planetarium for all ages.
- Recommended
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Contemporary art museum presenting rotating exhibitions in a distinctive modern building close to central Denver and Union Station.
- Must visit
16th Street Mall
Pedestrian-friendly downtown street lined with shops, public art and free shuttle buses; ideal for a first walk through central Denver.
- Recommended
LoDo
Revived warehouse district with boutiques, galleries, historic buildings and easy walks to stations, stadiums and riverside paths.
- Recommended
RiNo Art District
Creative district known for murals, independent shops, music venues and a busy street scene that shows Denver's contemporary culture.
- Gluten-free
Colorado Green Chilli
A Denver staple of green chillies stewed with pork and served over burritos, chips or eggs; rooted in Colorado’s strong New Mexican influence.
Denver Sandwich
A local sandwich packed with roasted beef, caramelised onions and melted cheese on a roll; long associated with Denver lunch counters and steakhouses.
- Gluten-free
Denver Omelette
A folded omelette with diced ham, onions and green peppers; widely linked to Denver and a classic breakfast order across the city.
Rioja
Refined dining room in Larimer Square serving contemporary American cooking with strong Colorado ingredients and an elegant evening atmosphere.
Cart-Driver
Stylish wood-fired restaurant known for excellent pizzas, seasonal small plates and a polished but approachable atmosphere in RiNo.
Buckhorn Exchange
Established steakhouse specialising in beef and regional game such as bison. Classic dining room suited to trying Rocky Mountain flavours.
US dollar ($)
Denver is pricier than many US cities for hotels and dining, but transport and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés and bars.
FAQs: Chicago, IL to Denver, CO train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £67, while the average price tends to be around £286.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO covers a distance of 1475 km and takes approximately 18h 54m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO is 1475 km.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO leaves at 7:40.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO departs at 21:59.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and Denver, CO. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Denver, CO is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, and it arrives at Union Station, Denver, CO.
Booking trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO is considered scenic, offering views of the rolling farmlands of Illinois, the Mississippi River, and the picturesque landscapes of the Great Plains, with the Rocky Mountains providing a stunning backdrop as you approach Denver.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Denver, CO
Most Chicago, IL to Denver, CO trains use the Union Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Denver, CO 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 Denver
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Denver, CO leave from?
Trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO 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+1 800-872-7245
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.
Which Denver, CO station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO arrive at Union Station. Union Station is 2 km from Denver, CO city centre.
Union Station1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202, USA+1 303-592-6712
City-centre transport
Getting to Union Station from Denver city centre
Union Station is 2 km from Denver city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus0, 10, 15, 19 · 10m · £3 · every ~27 min
19 · 15m · £3 · every ~3 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snooze an A.M. Eatery, Mercantile Dining & Provision, Ultreia
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, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Crawford Hotel, The Oxford Hotel, Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Denver, CO and Chicago, IL
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