Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Tue, Nov 18
+ Add return
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Amtrak
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 18

Cheapest price

$27

Average price

$33

Fastest journey

3 h 26 m

Average duration

3 h 27 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

265 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charleston, IL 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 Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Charleston, IL for Chicago, IL on Tue, Nov 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Nov 18 the direct trains cover the 265 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 26 m .

On Tue, Nov 18 the slowest trains will take 3 h 27 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
11:19PM3h26
Charleston, IL
02:45AMChicago, IL
$271One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
02:33PM3h27
Charleston, IL
06:00PMChicago, IL
$391One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and flight for Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €16, and a flight costs an average of €83.

Distance: 164 miles (265 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight

€27

Average price

Cheapest

€154

Average price

4h 5m

Average total duration

3h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 15m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Monday, November 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:55 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak11:19 PM Charleston, IL
3h26
2:45 AM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, November 18
amtrak2:33 PM Charleston, IL
3h27
6:00 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 Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL by train or flight

Compare train 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.

Tue
Nov 18
Wed
Nov 19
Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24

Journey information

Overview: Train from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

Trains from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:23, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 164 miles (265 km) distance in 3h 26m.

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
164 miles (265 km)
Average train duration
3h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
$20 (€16)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
3h 26m
First train
05:23
Last train
21:05
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 Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charleston, IL and Chicago, IL from $20 (€16). 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
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
$21 (€17)
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: Trains from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charleston, 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
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.
A day trip from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the travel duration is 3h 26m. The distance is 164 miles (265 km). There are 4 trains per day.
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.
The distance by train from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL is 164 miles (265 km).
The Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL train journey is moderately scenic, with views of the Illinois countryside, including farmland and small towns, although much of the route focuses on the convenience of travel rather than picturesque landscapes.
Train ticket prices from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $20 (€16), while the average price is around $34 (€27).
The train from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL takes 3h 26m and runs 4 per day.
The train station in Charleston, IL that goes to Chicago, IL is Mattoon Amtrak Station, Mattoon, IL, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL is by train, with a cost of around $20 (€16).
The last train from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 9:05 PM.
The first train from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 5:23 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL.
There is no high speed train available from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL

Charleston
Chicago
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

More options for your journey from Charleston, IL to Chicago, IL

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