The cheapest and fastest trains from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
4 h 11 m
Average duration
7 h 47 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
311 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Burlington, IA 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 Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 2 trains that leave Burlington, IA for Chicago, IL on Wed, May 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 20 the direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 7 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 11 m .
On Wed, May 20 the slowest trains will take 11 h 23 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.
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg10:28 AM11h23Burlington Station, Burlington, IA9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$521One-way1 transfer
6 California Zephyr10:28 AM4h11Burlington Station, Burlington, IA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1131One-way0 transfers
6 California Zephyr10:28 AM4h11Burlington Station, Burlington, IA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1131One-way0 transfers
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg10:28 AM11h23Burlington Station, Burlington, IA9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$521One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $35, and a bus costs an average of $55.
Distance: 193 miles (311 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $83 Average price | $56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 4h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 3m Average total duration 8h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL:
A train is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL costing on average $83 (€67).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 33m.
Tickets start at around $66 (€54) compared to roughly $56 (€46) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-10.05 (€-8.12). The journey takes 4h 11m versus 4h 0m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday, May 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 California Zephyr | 10:28 AM Burlington Station, Burlington, IA | 4h11 | 2:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg | 10:28 AM Burlington Station, Burlington, IA | 11h23 | 9:51 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL by bus or train
Compare bus and 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.
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
Journey information
Overview: Train from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:40, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 193 miles (311 km) distance in 4h 11m.
Distance 193 miles (311 km) |
Average train duration 4h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 11m |
First train 7:40 AM |
Last train 6:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Burlington, IA and Chicago, IL from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Burlington, IA 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
Popular train stations from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL
- 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 Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL
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