Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI train with Amtrak

Fri, Nov 28
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI

Showing times and prices for Nov 28

Cheapest price

$40

Average price

$65

Fastest journey

2 h 45 m

Average duration

4 h 27 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

200 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI 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 Columbus, WI will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Columbus, WI on Fri, Nov 28, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 28 the direct trains cover the 200 km distance in an average of 4 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .

On Fri, Nov 28 the slowest trains will take 7 h 45 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.

Amtrak
04:10PM2h45
Chicago, IL
06:55PMColumbus, WI
$401One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
08:05PM2h50
Chicago, IL
10:55PMColumbus, WI
$771One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
11:10AM7h45
Chicago, IL
06:55PMColumbus, WI
$791One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and flight for Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €20, and a flight costs an average of €172.

Distance: 124 miles (200 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight

€43

Average price

Cheapest

€255

Average price

3h 16m

Average total duration

2h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 5m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI trains for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 7:31 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak27 Empire Builder9:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h50
11:55 PM Columbus Station, Columbus, WI0 transfersDirect
amtrak7 Empire Builder9:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h50
11:55 PM Columbus Station, Columbus, WI0 transfersDirect
Friday, November 28
amtrak11:10 AM Chicago, IL
7h45
6:55 PM Columbus, WI0 transfersDirect
amtrak4:10 PM Chicago, IL
2h45
6:55 PM Columbus, WI0 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 Columbus, WI 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.

Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 16:26. The fastest train covers the 124 miles (200 km) distance in 2h 45m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
124 miles (200 km)
Average train duration
2h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
$25 (€20)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
2h 45m
First train
06:10
Last train
16:26
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Columbus, WI from $25 (€20). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 45m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€20)
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI 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 Columbus, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
To explore the main attractions of Columbus, WI, such as its historic downtown, the Christopher Columbus Museum, and the scenic countryside, a stay of 1 to 2 days is typically sufficient.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 45m. Trains run 4 times per day over a distance of 124 miles (200 km).
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $25 (€20), while the average price is around $53 (€43).
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI is by train, with a cost of around $25 (€20).
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI is 124 miles (200 km).
The train from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI takes 2h 45m and runs 4 per day.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI leaves at 6:10 AM.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Columbus, WI is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Columbus Station, Columbus, WI.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI leaves at 4:26 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Chicago skyline transitioning to the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin’s countryside, including fields and small towns.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI

Chicago
Columbus
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Columbus.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Columbus, WI

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USAChicago, IL to Columbus, WI train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone