The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL
Cheapest price
$292
Average price
$349
Fastest journey
1 d 17 h 55 m
Average duration
1 d 18 h 17 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
929 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham, AL will cost around $349 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $292.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Birmingham, AL on Tue, May 26, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 929 km distance in an average of 1 d 18 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 17 h 55 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 1 d 18 h 50 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.
11:55 PM41h55Chicago, IL5:50 PMBirmingham, AL$2921One-way0 transfers
10:55 PM42h50Chicago, IL5:45 PMBirmingham, AL$3541One-way0 transfers
11:40 PM42h05Chicago, IL5:45 PMBirmingham, AL$3991One-way0 transfers
11:55 PM41h55Chicago, IL5:50 PMBirmingham, AL$2921One-way0 transfers
11:40 PM42h05Chicago, IL5:45 PMBirmingham, AL$3991One-way0 transfers
10:55 PM42h50Chicago, IL5:45 PMBirmingham, AL$3541One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $107. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $107, and a train costs an average of $239.
Distance: 577 miles (929 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$422 Average price | $178 Average price Cheapest | $407 Average price | $145 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
37h 33m Average total duration 37h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 32m Average total duration 15h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL:
A bus is $230 (€185) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL costing on average $407 (€328).
A bus is $244 (€197) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL costing on average $422 (€340).
Other travel options to Birmingham, AL take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 2m.
Train takes on average 37h 3m.
Tickets start at around $422 (€340) compared to roughly $145 (€117) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-276.92 (€-223.32). The journey takes 37h 3m versus 9h 49m 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 Birmingham, AL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL trains for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:40 PM Chicago, IL | 42h05 | 5:45 PM Birmingham, AL | 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 Birmingham, AL 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.
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL
Trains from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 37h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $239 (€193) but you can travel from only $107 (€86) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 17:10, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 577 miles (929 km) distance in 41h 5m.
Distance 577 miles (929 km) |
Average train duration 37h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $239 (€193) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 41h 5m |
First train 5:10 PM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 5 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Birmingham, AL from $107 (€86). 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 Birmingham, AL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham, AL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Bus: Several local bus lines available
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL
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