The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH
Cheapest price
$82
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
8 h 32 m
Average duration
8 h 32 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
405 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati, OH will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Cincinnati, OH on Tue, Jan 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jan 20 the direct trains cover the 405 km distance in an average of 8 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 32 m .
On Tue, Jan 20 the slowest trains will take 8 h 32 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.
50 Cardinal
50 CardinalTravel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €75.
Distance: 251 miles (405 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€91 Average price | €48 Average price Cheapest | €280 Average price |
9h 3m Average total duration 8h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 1m Average total duration 6h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH 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.
Jan 20
Jan 21
Jan 22
Jan 23
Jan 24
Jan 25
Jan 26
Why should you book Chicago to Cincinnati trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Chicago to Cincinnati. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago to Cincinnati.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago to Cincinnati.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH start from as low as $68 (€55) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $113 (€91) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 1 daily trains from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH with 1 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 8h 32m but the average duration is 8h 33m
Train Operators
- Travel from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH with Amtrak
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Amtrak.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL and arrive in Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH
- First train typically departs at 01:41 AM and the last at 05:55 PM
Distance 251 miles (405 km) |
Average train duration 8h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€55) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 8h 32m |
First train 01:41 |
Last train 17:55 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Cincinnati, OH from $42 (€34). 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 Cincinnati, OH
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati, OH, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH
- 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
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Union Terminal Restaurant
- The Dining Car
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
- Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
- The Westin Cincinnati
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- The station includes a museum center and various exhibition halls.
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH
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