Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of kr863 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr863, while a flight costs an average of kr6658.
Distance: 317 miles (511 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr863 Average price Cheapest | kr6658 Average price | kr743 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 11m Average total duration 10h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration Fastest 4h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO:
A bus is kr48 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO costing on average kr911.
A bus is kr5795 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO costing on average kr6658.
Other travel options to Columbia, MO take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 29m.
Bus takes on average 10h 41m.
Tickets start at around kr911 compared to roughly kr743 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-167.51. The journey takes 7h 29m versus 6h 6m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO by bus or flight
Compare 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.
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
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Sep 25
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO
Trains from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr488 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 20:05. The fastest train covers the 317 miles (511 km) distance in 7h 11m.
Distance 317 miles (511 km) |
Average train duration 7h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price kr488 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 7h 11m |
First train 7:15 AM |
Last train 8:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Columbia, MO from kr513. 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 Columbia, MO
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO
Most Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO trains use the Union Station to Jefferson City Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Columbia, MO train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Columbia, MO leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO
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