Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Wed, May 20
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for May 20

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Amtrak6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg
    10:28 AM11h23
    Burlington Station, Burlington, IA
    9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    $521One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak6 California Zephyr
    10:28 AM4h11
    Burlington Station, Burlington, IA
    2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    $1131One-way
    0 transfers

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

The cheapest way to travel from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL is a train with an average price of $66 (€54).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL is by train with an average journey time of 4h 11m.

Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:

Bus takes on average 8h 33m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Burlington, IA and Chicago, IL including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak6 California Zephyr10:28 AM Burlington Station, Burlington, IA
4h11
2:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
Amtrak6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg10:28 AM Burlington Station, Burlington, IA
11h23
9:51 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 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.

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

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.

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
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
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 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

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
4h 11m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€28)
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 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $35 (€28), while the average price is around $66 (€54).
The train from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL takes 4h 11m and runs 2 per day.
The first train from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL leaves at 7:40 AM.
The distance by train from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL is 193 miles (311 km).
The last train from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:00 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL.
There is no direct train service currently available from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL.
The train station in Burlington, IA that goes to Chicago, IL is Burlington Station, Burlington, IA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL is by train, with a cost of around $35 (€28).
The train journey from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL offers scenic views of the Mississippi River, rolling farmlands, and quaint Midwestern towns, providing a pleasant visual experience for travelers.
A day trip from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 11m. Trains run 2 times per day over a distance of 193 miles (311 km).
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL.
Since neither Burlington, IA nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Chicago, IL include Milwaukee, WI, South Bend, IN, New Buffalo, MI, Racine, WI, Elkhart, IN.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Burlington, IA to Chicago, IL

Burlington
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Burlington is Burlington Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Burlington Station for your trip from Burlington to Chicago.
Burlington StationDiningATMAccessibility
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility

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