Normal, IL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri 19 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 Normal, IL to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 21 Dec

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

Amtrak
12:062h19
Normal, IL
14:25Chicago, IL
£401One-way
0 changes
Amtrak
16:082h36
Normal, IL
18:44Chicago, IL
£1671One-way
0 changes

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.

Last updated at 08:58
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak300 Lincoln Service13:06 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h19
15:25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak422 Texas Eagle17:08 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h36
19:44 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak22 Texas Eagle17:08 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h36
19:44 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner23:35 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h25
02:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Sunday 21 December
amtrak306 Lincoln Service02:17 Uptown Station, Normal, IL
2h26
04:43 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 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.

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

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

The best time to book your train from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Normal, IL to Chicago, IL route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL 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 Normal, IL to Chicago, IL.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

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.

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
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
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 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

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
2h 19m
Cheapest Price
£11
Amtrak frequency
4 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: 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.

FAQs
The train journey from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL offers a pleasant view of the Midwestern landscape, characterised by stretches of farmland, small towns, and occasional glimpses of the Illinois River, but it is not renowned for dramatic scenic views.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Booking trains from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £32.
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 train distance from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL is 186 km.
Yes, there is a direct train between Normal, IL and Chicago, IL. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The cheapest way to get from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL is by train, costing approximately £11.
The train journey from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 186 km and takes approximately 2h 19m. Trains run 4 per day.
To get from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The train station in Normal, IL that goes to Chicago, IL is Uptown Station, Normal, IL, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL.
The first train from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 7:06.
Yes, you can take the train from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL.
The last train from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL departs at 20:17.
Trains from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL run approximately 4 times per day.
There is no night train service from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL.
A day trip from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 19m. However, there are 4 train trips per day covering a distance of 186 km.

popular train stations

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

Normal
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Normal is Uptown Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Uptown Station for your trip from Normal to Chicago.
Uptown StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available adjacent to the station with multiple entry points.
Dining
Dining
  • Medici
  • The Rock Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • Free for passengers
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt Place Bloomington/Normal
  • Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
  • Hall 2: access to platforms and bus connections
Public transport options for Uptown Station
  • Bus: Connect Transit
  • Intercity buses available

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