Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE train with Amtrak

Tue, Nov 25
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE

Showing times and prices for Nov 26

Cheapest price

$138

Average price

$161

Fastest journey

10 h 36 m

Average duration

13 h 46 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

762 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE 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 Lincoln, NE will cost around $161 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Lincoln, NE on Wed, Nov 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Nov 26 the direct trains cover the 762 km distance in an average of 13 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 36 m .

On Wed, Nov 26 the slowest trains will take 16 h 56 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
07:00PM10h36
Chicago, IL
05:36AMLincoln, NE
$1381One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
12:40PM16h56
Chicago, IL
05:36AMLincoln, NE
$1841One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and flight for Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €68, and a flight costs an average of €214.

Distance: 473 miles (762 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€112

Average price

€364

Average price

€82

Average price

Cheapest

10h 55m

Average total duration

10h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

13h 5m

Average total duration

12h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

2.3 - 4.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE trains for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:08 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak12:40 PM Chicago, IL
16h56
5:36 AM Lincoln, NE0 transfersDirect
amtrak7:00 PM Chicago, IL
10h36
5:36 AM Lincoln, NE0 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 Lincoln, NE 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.

Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02

Why should you book Chicago to Lincoln trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Chicago to Lincoln. 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 train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago to Lincoln.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • 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 train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago to Lincoln.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $70 (€57) if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:27, the last at 14:00. The fastest train covers the 473 miles (762 km) distance in 10h 36m.

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
473 miles (762 km)
Average train duration
10h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
$70 (€57)
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
10h 36m
First train
03:27
Last train
14:00

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE start from as low as $70 (€57) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $137 (€112) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
  • On average there are 2 daily trains from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE with 1 direct service.
  • The fastest trains can take as little as 10h 36m but the average duration is 10h 25m
Train Operators
  • Travel from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE 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 Haymarket Station, Lincoln, NE
  • First train typically departs at 03:27 AM and the last at 02:00 PM
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 Lincoln, NE trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Lincoln, NE from $70 (€57). 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
10h 36m
Cheapest Price
$70 (€57)
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 Lincoln, NE

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

FAQs
To fully explore Lincoln, NE, including its cultural sites, parks, and attractions, a stay of two to three days is generally recommended.
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $70 (€57), while the average price is around $137 (€112).
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE is by train, with a cost of around $70 (€57).
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE is not feasible as the travel duration is 10h 36m. There are 2 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 473 miles (762 km).
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE is 473 miles (762 km).
The first train from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE leaves at 3:27 AM.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Lincoln, NE is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Haymarket Station, Lincoln, NE.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. As you leave Chicago, you'll experience cityscapes, which gradually transition into the picturesque Midwestern landscapes with vast farmlands and small towns, providing a pleasant and varied view throughout the trip.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE.
The train from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE takes 10h 36m and runs 2 per day.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE leaves at 2:00 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE

Chicago
Lincoln
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 Lincoln.
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 Lincoln, NE

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

Most popular train connections to Lincoln, NE

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