- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£13
Fastest journey
1 h 1 m
Average duration
1 h 6 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
51 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Joliet, 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 Joliet, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Of the 4 trains that leave Joliet, IL for Chicago, IL every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 51 km distance in an average of 1 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 14 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.
300 Lincoln Service
306 Lincoln Service
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
302 Lincoln Service
300 Lincoln Service
302 Lincoln Service
306 Lincoln Service
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River RunnerThe table below shows live departures for Joliet, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
300 Lincoln Service | 8:24 Joliet Station, Joliet, IL | 1h01 | 9:25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
302 Lincoln Service | 10:39 Joliet Station, Joliet, IL | 1h01 | 11:40 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 18:46 Joliet Station, Joliet, IL | 1h14 | 20:00 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 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 Joliet, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 51 km distance in 1h 1m.
Distance 51 km |
Average train duration 1h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 1m |
First train 7:15 |
Last train 21:35 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Joliet, 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.

Most Joliet, IL to Chicago, IL trains use the Joliet Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Joliet, IL and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Joliet Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Joliet Station.
Ticket office support is available at Joliet Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Joliet Station.
Available at Joliet Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Joliet Station.
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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