Chicago, IL to Denver, CO train with Amtrak

Sat 29 Nov
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Amtrak
Great Western Rail
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Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO

Showing times and prices for 30 Nov

Cheapest price

£222

Average price

£222

Fastest journey

18 h 56 m

Average duration

18 h 56 m

Trains per day

1

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 £222 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £222.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Denver, CO every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 1475 km distance in an average of 18 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 56 m .

The slowest trains will take 18 h 56 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.

Amtrak5 California Zephyr
14:0018h56
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
07:56Union Station, Denver, CO
£2221One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Chicago, IL to Denver, CO

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £62. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £62, and a train costs an average of £124.

Distance: 1475 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£190

Average Price

£138

Average Price

£135

Average Price

Cheapest

19h 9m

Average total duration

18h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 15m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

23h 48m

Average total duration

23h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.4 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

4.4 - 8.8kg

CO2 emissions

1.5 - 3.7kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

United

Most popular airline

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Denver, CO train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Denver, CO trains for tomorrow, Sunday 30 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 23:58
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak5 California Zephyr20:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
18h56
14:56 Union Station, Denver, CO0 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 Denver, CO by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to Denver, CO route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 18h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £124 but you can travel from only £24 by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:40, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 1475 km distance in 18h 56m.

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 £24
Distance
1475 km
Average train duration
18h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
£124
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
18h 56m
First train
07:40
Last train
19:59
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 £24

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Denver, CO from £24. 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
18h 56m
Cheapest Price
£86
Amtrak frequency
1 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 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.

FAQs
In Denver, CO, you can enjoy a baseball game or a tour at Coors Field, explore shopping, dining, and nightlife at historic Larimer Square, and relax at City Park with its trails and scenic views. The Denver Zoo offers diverse animal exhibitions, while Cherry Creek Shopping Center provides luxury shopping and dining. For cultural experiences, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Art Museum, and Denver Botanic Gardens. Union Station is a historic hub with shops and dining, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science features exhibits on natural history and anthropology.
A visit to Denver, CO, typically requires 3 to 4 days to explore its main attractions, such as the Denver Art Museum, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, and the Denver Botanic Gardens, while also allowing time for nearby day trips to places like Rocky Mountain National Park.
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.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO is not feasible as the journey takes 18h 56m. Trains run twice per day.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO is by flight, costing approximately £24.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £124, while the average price tends to be around £190.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO covers a distance of 1475 km and takes approximately 18h 56m. Trains run 2 per day.
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.
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.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO run approximately 2 times per day.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO departs at 19:59.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO.
To get from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Denver, CO

Chicago
Denver
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Denver.
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 Chicago, IL to Denver, CO

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