The cheapest and fastest trains from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
£40
Average price
£103
Fastest journey
2 h 19 m
Average duration
2 h 28 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
186 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Normal, 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 Normal, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around £103 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
Of the 2 trains that leave Normal, 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 186 km distance in an average of 2 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 36 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a flight costs an average of £165.
Distance: 186 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£32 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest | £246 Average Price |
2h 56m Average total duration 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Normal, IL to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Normal, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
300 Lincoln Service | 13:06 Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h19 | 15:25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
422 Texas Eagle | 17:08 Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h36 | 19:44 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
22 Texas Eagle | 17:08 Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h36 | 19:44 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 23:35 Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h25 | 02:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 21 December | |||||
306 Lincoln Service | 02:17 Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h26 | 04:43 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Normal, IL to Chicago, IL 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.
21 Dec
22 Dec
23 Dec
24 Dec
25 Dec
26 Dec
27 Dec
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
Trains from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:06, the last at 20:17. The fastest train covers the 186 km distance in 2h 19m.
Distance 186 km |
Average train duration 2h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 19m |
First train 07:06 |
Last train 20:17 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Normal, IL and Chicago, IL from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Normal, IL to Chicago, IL train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Normal, 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Normal, IL and Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station with multiple entry points.
- Medici
- The Rock Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Free for passengers
- Hyatt Place Bloomington/Normal
- Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
- Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: access to platforms and bus connections
- Bus: Connect Transit
- Intercity buses available
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
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