The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 13 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
83 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, 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 Kankakee, IL will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Of the 4 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Kankakee, IL on Mon, Jun 22, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 83 km distance in an average of 1 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 1 h 16 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.
1:15 PM1h11Chicago, IL2:26 PMKankakee, IL$141One-way0 transfers
10:05 PM1h10Chicago, IL11:15 PMKankakee, IL$161One-way0 transfers
2:05 AM1h16Chicago, IL3:21 AMKankakee, IL$211One-way0 transfers
1:05 AM1h16Chicago, IL2:21 AMKankakee, IL$211One-way0 transfers
10:05 PM1h10Chicago, IL11:15 PMKankakee, IL$161One-way0 transfers
1:15 PM1h11Chicago, IL2:26 PMKankakee, IL$141One-way0 transfers
2:05 AM1h16Chicago, IL3:21 AMKankakee, IL$211One-way0 transfers
1:05 AM1h16Chicago, IL2:21 AMKankakee, IL$211One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $6, and a bus costs an average of $12.
Distance: 51 miles (83 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$14 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price | $12 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 50m Average total duration 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL:
A train is $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL costing on average $20 (€16).
Other travel options to Kankakee, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 20m.
Tickets start at around $14 (€11) compared to roughly $12 (€10) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-1.36 (€-1.11). The journey takes 1h 12m versus 58m 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
Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:15 PM Chicago, IL | 1h11 | 2:26 PM Kankakee, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:15 PM Chicago, IL | 1h11 | 3:26 PM Kankakee, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, June 22 | |||||
![]() | 1:05 AM Chicago, IL | 1h16 | 2:21 AM Kankakee, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:05 AM Chicago, IL | 1h16 | 3:21 AM Kankakee, 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 Kankakee, IL by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL
Trains from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 20:44. The fastest train covers the 51 miles (83 km) distance in 1h 10m.
Distance 51 miles (83 km) |
Average train duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 10m |
First train 5:13 AM |
Last train 8:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Kankakee, IL from $6 (€5). 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 Kankakee, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, 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 Kankakee, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL
Most Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL trains use the Union Station to Kankakee Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Kankakee, 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 Kankakee, 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 Kankakee, IL station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to Kankakee Amtrak from Kankakee city centre
Kankakee Amtrak train station facilities and services
Kankakee Amtrak has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kankakee Amtrak.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Kankakee, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

