The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Alton, IL
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
4 h 10 m
Average duration
4 h 14 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
393 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Alton, 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 Alton, IL will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Alton, IL on Wed, Jun 03, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct trains cover the 393 km distance in an average of 4 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest trains will take 4 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.
11:20 PM4h16Chicago, IL3:36 AMAlton, IL$401One-way0 transfers
12:10 AM4h10Chicago, IL4:20 AMAlton, IL$411One-way0 transfers
10:20 PM4h16Chicago, IL2:36 AMAlton, IL$421One-way0 transfers
12:10 AM4h10Chicago, IL4:20 AMAlton, IL$411One-way0 transfers
11:20 PM4h16Chicago, IL3:36 AMAlton, IL$401One-way0 transfers
10:20 PM4h16Chicago, IL2:36 AMAlton, IL$421One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Alton, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Alton, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. 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 train costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $172.
Distance: 244 miles (393 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$56 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price | $397 Average price | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 41m Average total duration 4h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg 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 Alton, IL:
A train is $11 (€9) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Alton, IL costing on average $67 (€54).
A train is $341 (€275) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Alton, IL costing on average $397 (€320).
Other travel options to Alton, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 11m.
Bus takes on average 6h 55m.
The journey is about 2m faster (4h 11m by train vs 4h 13m by car) and roughly $4 (€3) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($56 (€45) vs $60 (€48)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Alton, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Alton, IL trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:10 AM Chicago, IL | 4h10 | 4:20 AM Alton, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:20 PM Chicago, IL | 4h16 | 2:36 AM Alton, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:20 PM Chicago, IL | 4h16 | 3:36 AM Alton, 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 Alton, 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.
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Jun 07
Jun 08
Jun 09
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Alton, IL
Trains from Chicago, IL to Alton, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 244 miles (393 km) distance in 3h 57m.
Distance 244 miles (393 km) |
Average train duration 4h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 57m |
First train 4:30 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Alton, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Alton, IL from $26 (€21). 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 Alton, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Alton, 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 Alton, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Alton, IL
- 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
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Alton, IL
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