Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu, Nov 20
+ Add return
Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 20

Cheapest price

$704

Average price

$704

Fastest journey

1 d 15 h 21 m

Average duration

1 d 15 h 21 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

929 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL will cost around $704 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $704.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Birmingham, AL for Chicago, IL on Thu, Nov 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 929 km distance in an average of 1 d 15 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 15 h 21 m .

On Thu, Nov 20 the slowest trains will take 1 d 15 h 21 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
10:24PM39h21
Birmingham, AL
01:45PMChicago, IL
$7041One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €65, and a train costs an average of €200.

Distance: 577 miles (929 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€298

Average price

€124

Average price

Cheapest

€289

Average price

37h 28m

Average total duration

36h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

16h 51m

Average total duration

16h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 13m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Republic Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:39 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak10:24 PM Birmingham, AL
39h21
1:45 PM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26

Journey information

Overview: Train from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

Trains from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 36h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $247 (€200) but you can travel from only $81 (€65) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 17:24, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 577 miles (929 km) distance in 39h 21m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $81 (€65)
Distance
577 miles (929 km)
Average train duration
36h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
$247 (€200)
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
39h 21m
First train
17:24
Last train
18:40
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $81 (€65)

Train companies: Amtrak from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Birmingham, AL and Chicago, IL from $81 (€65). 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
39h 21m
Cheapest Price
$274 (€222)
Amtrak frequency
1 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: Trains from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham, AL 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
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
The last train from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:40 PM.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
There is no direct train service currently available from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
The distance by train from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is 577 miles (929 km).
Train ticket prices from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $247 (€200), while the average price is around $367 (€298).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $81 (€65).
The train station in Birmingham, AL that goes to Chicago, IL is Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The train from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL runs once a day and takes approximately 39h 21m.
There is no high speed train available from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
The first train from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL leaves at 5:24 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
A day trip from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 39h 21m with a distance of 577 miles (929 km). The frequency for this train route is 1 per day.
The train journey from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, featuring views of the Appalachian foothills, the Tennessee River, and diverse landscapes transitioning from the South to the Midwest. While not considered one of the most scenic routes in the U.S., it provides a pleasant and varied backdrop for travelers.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL

Birmingham
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Birmingham is Birmingham Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birmingham Station for your trip from Birmingham to Chicago.
Birmingham StationParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Public transit options for Birmingham Station
  • Bus: Several local bus lines available

Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Birmingham, AL

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