Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sun 21 Dec
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 21 Dec

Cheapest price

£50

Average price

£74

Fastest journey

3 h 51 m

Average duration

7 h 50 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

313 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Effingham, 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 Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Effingham, IL for Chicago, IL every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 313 km distance in an average of 7 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 16 h 35 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.

Amtrak58 City Of New Orleans · 392 Illini
05:1016h35
Effingham Station, Effingham, IL
21:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£501One-way
1 change
Amtrak58 City Of New Orleans · 390 Saluki
05:108h50
Effingham Station, Effingham, IL
14:00Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£501One-way
1 change
Amtrak3390 AMTRAK · 390 Saluki
08:095h51
Effingham Station, Effingham, IL
14:00Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£521One-way
1 change
Amtrak392 Illini
17:543h51
Effingham Station, Effingham, IL
21:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£611One-way
0 changes
Amtrak58 City Of New Orleans
05:104h05
Effingham Station, Effingham, IL
09:15Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£1551One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £78.

Distance: 313 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

£35

Average Price

£156

Average Price

4h 26m

Average total duration

3h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 40m

Average total duration

3h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 15m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 04:05
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak09:57 Effingham, IL
16h48
02:45 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak22:54 Effingham, IL
3h51
02:45 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL by train, flight or coach

Compare train, flight 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.

Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec
Thu
25 Dec
Fri
26 Dec
Sat
27 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

Trains from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:57, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 313 km distance in 3h 51m.

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
313 km
Average train duration
3h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
£18
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
3h 51m
First train
02:57
Last train
21:05
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 Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Effingham, IL and Chicago, IL from £18. 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
3h 51m
Cheapest Price
£18
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

FAQs: Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Effingham, 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
The train journey from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL offers a mix of scenic views, particularly as it passes through rural landscapes, farmland, and small towns before approaching the more urban and industrial scenery near Chicago.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
A day trip from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 51m. However, there are 4 trains per day available for this route, covering a distance of 313 km.
Booking trains from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £25.
Yes, there is a direct train between Effingham, IL and Chicago, IL. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The train distance from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL is 313 km.
The cheapest way to get from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL is by train, costing approximately £18.
To get from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train, flight and coach.
The train journey from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 313 km and takes approximately 3h 51m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train station in Effingham, IL that goes to Chicago, IL is Effingham Station, Effingham, IL, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL.
The first train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 2:57.
Yes, you can take the train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL.
The last train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL departs at 21:05.
Trains from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL run approximately 4 times per day.
There is no night train service from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

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

Effingham
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Effingham is Effingham Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Effingham Station for your trip from Effingham to Chicago.
Effingham StationAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility

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

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