The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$80
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$80
Fastest journey on Sep 15
2 h 37 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
2 h 38 m
Trains on Sep 15
3
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL 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, IL will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 3 trains from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 2 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 37 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest trains will take 2 h 38 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.
1:52 PM2h38Chicago, IL4:30 PMLincoln, IL$801One-way0 transfers
5:20 PM2h38Chicago, IL7:58 PMLincoln, IL$801One-way0 transfers
7:10 PM2h37Chicago, IL9:47 PMLincoln, IL$801One-way0 transfers
7:10 PM2h37Chicago, IL9:47 PMLincoln, IL$801One-way0 transfers
1:52 PM2h38Chicago, IL4:30 PMLincoln, IL$801One-way0 transfers
5:20 PM2h38Chicago, IL7:58 PMLincoln, IL$801One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $44 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $44, while a flight costs an average of $633.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $633 Average price | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration 4h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train 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 Lincoln, IL:
A train is $589 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL costing on average $633.
Other travel options to Lincoln, IL take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 21m.
Tickets start at around $44 compared to roughly $35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-8.89. The journey takes 2h 37m versus 2h 26m 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 Lincoln, IL 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.
Sep 15
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL
Trains from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:36, the last at 19:46. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 35m |
First train 6:36 AM |
Last train 7:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Lincoln, IL from $21. 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 Lincoln, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL 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, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL
Most Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL trains use the Union Station to Lincoln Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Lincoln, IL 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 Lincoln, IL 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.
Which Lincoln, IL station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Lincoln Station train station facilities and services
Lincoln Station has practical services for this route, including Dining and Accessibility.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Lincoln Station.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lincoln Station.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

