The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Cheapest price
$106
Average price
$111
Fastest journey
4 h 46 m
Average duration
5 h 1 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
419 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO will cost around $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $106.
Of the 6 trains that leave Chicago, IL for St. Louis, MO on Sat, Nov 29, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 29 the direct trains cover the 419 km distance in an average of 5 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 46 m .
On Sat, Nov 29 the slowest trains will take 5 h 15 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.
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
307 Lincoln Service
21 Texas Eagle
301 Lincoln Service
305 Lincoln Service
301 Lincoln Service
307 Lincoln Service
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
305 Lincoln Service
21 Texas EagleTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €40, and a flight costs an average of €288.
Distance: 260 miles (419 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€58 Average price | €51 Average price Cheapest | €301 Average price |
5h 29m Average total duration 4h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 48m Average total duration 6h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO trains for today, Friday, November 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 3:50 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h01 | 8:51 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
21 Texas Eagle | 7:52 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h15 | 1:07 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
421 Texas Eagle | 7:52 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h15 | 1:07 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, November 29 | |||||
59 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK | 2:05 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 9h25 | 11:30 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 1 transfer | |
301 Lincoln Service | 1:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h46 | 6:01 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO 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.
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Trains from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€35) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 260 miles (419 km) distance in 4h 46m.
Distance 260 miles (419 km) |
Average train duration 4h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€35) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 46m |
First train 04:30 |
Last train 23:45 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO from $44 (€35). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
The train connection between Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant culture of both cities. Amtrak provides regular service on this route, ensuring a comfortable journey with scenic views along the way. With multiple departures daily, passengers can easily plan their trips while enjoying amenities such as Wi-Fi and onboard dining options during the approximately 5-hour ride.
Train Connection: Chicago to St. Louis
Traveling from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO takes approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes on a direct train service. There are up to 4 connections available each day, making it convenient for travelers looking to explore these two cities without the hassle of transfers. The journey begins at Union Station in Chicago and concludes at St. Louis Station in Missouri.
Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
The first daily train journey from Chicago to St. Louis departs at 12:15 PM, providing travelers with a convenient afternoon option for their trip. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 11:20 PM, allowing late-night travelers to reach their destination in the early hours of the next day.
Train Tickets Price for Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Chicago and St. Louis is $38 (34.2€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $54 (48.6€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities in the Midwest.
Exploring St. Louis: A Journey Through History and Culture
The Gateway Arch, completed in 1965, stands as a monumental tribute to the westward expansion of the United States and is an iconic symbol of St. Louis. Its unique design by architect Eero Saarinen features a stunning stainless steel structure that soars 630 feet into the sky, offering breathtaking views from its observation deck. As you stand beneath this architectural marvel, you'll feel both humbled and inspired by its significance in American history.
Forest Park is not only one of the largest urban parks in the United States but also served as the site for the 1904 World's Fair and Olympic Games, showcasing innovation and culture at their finest. This sprawling green oasis boasts beautiful landscapes, serene lakes, and world-class attractions like museums and gardens that invite exploration year-round. Whether you're picnicking on lush lawns or wandering through art exhibits under open skies, Forest Park embodies relaxation intertwined with rich historical context.
The St. Louis Cathedral Basilica is renowned for its stunning mosaics—one of the largest collections in North America—that depict biblical scenes crafted from over four million pieces of glass tesserae. Completed in 1914 after nearly seventy years of construction efforts due to various challenges faced along the way; it serves as a testament to perseverance within faith communities throughout history. As you step inside this awe-inspiring space adorned with intricate artistry above your head while basking in tranquil ambiance below your feet; it's impossible not to be moved by both beauty and spirituality enveloping every corner.
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
- Landry's Seafood House
- The Station Grille
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Courtyard St. Louis Downtown West
- Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for Amtrak and regional trains
- Hall 2: MetroLink connections
- MetroLink: Red Line, Blue Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 40, 94, 97
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
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