- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
6 California Zephyr
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg
6 California Zephyr
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl SandburgOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 31m. 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 £55, and a train costs an average of £68.
Distance: 1475 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£212 Average Price | £127 Average Price | £107 Average Price Cheapest |
19h 11m Average total duration 18h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 23h 31m Average total duration 23h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.4 - 8.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Denver, CO to Chicago, IL trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg | 18:59 Union Station, Denver, CO | 25h52 | 21:51 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
6 California Zephyr | 18:59 Union Station, Denver, CO | 18h40 | 14:39 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 18h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £68 but you can travel from only £25 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 40m.
Distance 1475 km |
Average train duration 18h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £68 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 18h 40m |
First train 7:40 |
Last train 19:59 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Science museum in Jackson Park with hands-on exhibits, a U-505 submarine, and broad appeal for families and curious adults.
Natural history museum on the Museum Campus, known for dinosaur fossils, gem displays, and wide-ranging science exhibits.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and frequent events at the heart of central Chicago.
Bustling avenue for architecture, shopping, river views, and easy walking between landmark buildings and major attractions.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River with terraces, bridges, boat access, and excellent close-up architecture views.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago classic with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked in a deep pan.
Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers and celery salt.
Italian beef is thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in savoury juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant rooted in Midwestern ingredients, with polished service and a refined contemporary dining room.
Historic pizzeria known for classic Chicago deep-dish in a lively, casual setting near the Magnificent Mile.
Long-running counter-service spot famed for Italian beef sandwiches, dipped rolls and spicy giardiniera in a no-frills setting.
Expensive by US city standards: hotels, dining and attractions add up, though buses and the 'L' help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if table service is given.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Denver, CO 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.

Most Denver, CO to Chicago, IL trains use the Union Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Denver, CO and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 2 km from Denver city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Snooze an A.M. Eatery, Mercantile Dining & Provision, Ultreia
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Crawford Hotel, The Oxford Hotel, Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
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