The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Charleston, IL
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
3 h 17 m
Average duration
3 h 17 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
265 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Charleston, 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 Charleston, IL will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Charleston, IL on Sat, May 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 30 the direct trains cover the 265 km distance in an average of 3 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 17 m .
On Sat, May 30 the slowest trains will take 3 h 17 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 PM3h17Chicago, IL4:32 PMCharleston, IL$331One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM3h17Chicago, IL5:32 PMCharleston, IL$391One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM3h17Chicago, IL5:32 PMCharleston, IL$391One-way0 transfers
1:15 PM3h17Chicago, IL4:32 PMCharleston, IL$331One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Chicago, IL to Charleston, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Charleston, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $153.
Distance: 164 miles (265 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $202 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 50m Average total duration 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Charleston, IL:
A train is $170 (€137) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Charleston, IL costing on average $202 (€163).
Other travel options to Charleston, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 20m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
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 Charleston, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Charleston, IL trains for tomorrow, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:15 PM Chicago, IL | 3h17 | 4:32 PM Charleston, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:15 PM Chicago, IL | 3h17 | 5:32 PM Charleston, 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 Charleston, IL by train or flight
Compare 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 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Charleston, IL
Trains from Chicago, IL to Charleston, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:23, the last at 20:05. The fastest train covers the 164 miles (265 km) distance in 3h 17m.
Distance 164 miles (265 km) |
Average train duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 3:23 AM |
Last train 8:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Charleston, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Charleston, IL from $21 (€17). 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 Charleston, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Charleston, 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 Charleston, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Charleston, 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 Charleston, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
