Chicago, IL to Normal, IL train with Amtrak

Thu, Dec 04
+ Add return
Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
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Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL

Showing times and prices for Dec 04

Cheapest price

$22

Average price

$22

Fastest journey

1 h 58 m

Average duration

1 h 58 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

186 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Normal, 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 Normal, IL will cost around $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Normal, IL on Thu, Dec 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Dec 04 the direct trains cover the 186 km distance in an average of 1 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .

On Thu, Dec 04 the slowest trains will take 1 h 58 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
12:15PM1h58
Chicago, IL
02:13PMNormal, IL
$221One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Normal, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, and a flight costs an average of €173.

Distance: 115 miles (186 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€59

Average price

€39

Average price

Cheapest

€266

Average price

2h 36m

Average total duration

2h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 34m

Average total duration

5h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 26m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Normal, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Normal, IL trains for today, Wednesday, December 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:42 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner3:50 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h06
5:56 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL0 transfersDirect
amtrak21 Texas Eagle7:52 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h12
10:04 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL0 transfersDirect
amtrak305 Lincoln Service11:20 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h05
1:25 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL0 transfersDirect
Thursday, December 4
amtrak307 Lincoln Service1:10 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h06
3:16 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL0 transfersDirect
amtrak12:15 PM Chicago, IL
1h58
2:13 PM Normal, IL0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Normal, IL by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, 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.

Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Sun
Dec 07
Mon
Dec 08
Tue
Dec 09
Wed
Dec 10

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to Normal, IL route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:06, the last at 20:17. The fastest train covers the 115 miles (186 km) distance in 1h 58m.

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
115 miles (186 km)
Average train duration
2h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
$15 (€12)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 58m
First train
07:06
Last train
20:17
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 Chicago, IL to Normal, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Normal, IL from $15 (€12). 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
1h 58m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€12)
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 Chicago, IL to Normal, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Normal, 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 Normal, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL offers a mix of urban and rural views, transitioning from the bustling cityscape of Chicago to the more serene, flat farmlands of Central Illinois, providing a pleasant and relaxing experience without dramatic scenic highlights.
To explore key attractions in Normal, IL, such as the Children's Discovery Museum and Illinois State University's campus, a stay of 2-3 days is typically sufficient.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL is 115 miles (186 km).
The first train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL leaves at 7:06 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 58m which is more than 120 and the distance is 115 miles (186 km). There are 4 trains available per day.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL leaves at 8:17 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $15 (€12), while the average price is around $73 (€59).
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL is by train, with a cost of around $15 (€12).
The train from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL takes 1h 58m and runs 4 per day.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Normal, IL is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Uptown Station, Normal, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Normal, IL

Chicago
Normal
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Normal.
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

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