The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
10 h 50 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
313 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Effingham, IL on Thu, Jul 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct trains cover the 313 km distance in an average of 10 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the slowest trains will take 15 h 45 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.
2:15 PM15h45Chicago, IL6:00 AMEffingham, IL$301One-way0 transfers
9:05 PM5h55Chicago, IL3:00 AMEffingham, IL$301One-way0 transfers
9:05 PM5h55Chicago, IL3:00 AMEffingham, IL$301One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM15h45Chicago, IL6:00 AMEffingham, IL$301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $99.
Distance: 194 miles (313 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $162 Average price | $198 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL:
A train is $126 (€104) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL costing on average $162 (€134).
A train is $161 (€133) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL costing on average $198 (€163).
Other travel options to Effingham, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 40m.
Bus takes on average 3h 45m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:15 PM Chicago, IL | 15h45 | 6:00 AM Effingham, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Effingham, 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.
Jul 02
Jul 03
Jul 04
Jul 05
Jul 06
Jul 07
Jul 08
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL
Trains from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:57, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 194 miles (313 km) distance in 3h 41m.
Distance 194 miles (313 km) |
Average train duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 41m |
First train 2:57 AM |
Last train 9:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Effingham, IL from $27 (€22). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Effingham, 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 Effingham, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL
Most Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL trains use the Union Station to Effingham Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Effingham, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Effingham, IL leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Which Effingham, IL station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Effingham Station train station facilities and services
Effingham Station has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Effingham Station.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Effingham, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
