- Must visit
Columbia Museum of Art
State art museum with American, European, and contemporary works plus rotating exhibitions in a spacious downtown building.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €43 but you can travel from only €41 by bus.
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.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO trains for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
59 City Of New Orleans · 8358 Connecting Bus · 311 Missouri River Runner | 8:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 14h30 | 10:35 AM Jefferson City Station, Jefferson City, MO | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Columbia, MO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Columbia, MO trip today.
State art museum with American, European, and contemporary works plus rotating exhibitions in a spacious downtown building.
Interactive state museum covering art, history, science, and technology, with broad exhibits suitable for families and curious adults.
Historic house museum presenting 19th-century urban life, decorative arts, and preservation work in downtown Columbia.
Lively downtown entertainment district with restored warehouses, public art, shops, and an easy walkable atmosphere near major attractions.
Riverfront greenway with boardwalks, bridges, canal views, and shaded trails. Popular for walking, biking, and scenic city escapes.
Compact downtown district with galleries, restored homes, and tree-lined streets. Good for strolling and seeing Columbia’s historic character.
A Midlands staple of slow-smoked pork, usually chopped or pulled and dressed with a mustard-based sauce rooted in South Carolina German heritage.
Hash made from finely chopped pork and offal simmered with spices, traditionally served over rice at barbecue joints and family gatherings.
Stone-ground corn grits cooked creamy, often with butter or cheese. They are a long-standing Southern breakfast and supper staple across Columbia.
Stylish Southern restaurant serving shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and modern regional plates in a lively downtown setting.
Beloved local barbecue spot known for South Carolina pulled pork, ribs, brisket, hash and rice, with a casual counter-service atmosphere.
Casual local favorite for pimento cheese, biscuits, grits, sandwiches, and Southern breakfast plates in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Moderate for a US city. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit costs are low, and budget food is easy to find compared with larger East Coast destinations.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for café drinks if there is table service.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

Most Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO trains use the Union Station to 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.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.