The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
6 h 40 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
471 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Marion, 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 Marion, IL will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Of the 8 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Marion, IL on Fri, May 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct trains cover the 471 km distance in an average of 6 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 8 h 50 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.
391 Saluki · 59 City Of New Orleans8:15 AM15h34Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:49 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$651One-way1 transfer
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans4:05 PM7h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:49 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$651One-way1 transfer
59 City Of New Orleans6:05 PM5h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:49 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$711One-way0 transfers
391 Saluki8:15 AM5h30Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:45 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$711One-way0 transfers
393 Illini4:05 PM5h30Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL9:35 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$711One-way0 transfers
391 Saluki8:15 AM5h30Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:45 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$711One-way0 transfers
393 Illini4:05 PM5h30Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL9:35 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$711One-way0 transfers
59 City Of New Orleans6:05 PM5h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:49 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$711One-way0 transfers
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans4:05 PM7h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:49 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$651One-way1 transfer
21 Texas Eagle · 8359 AMTRAK2:10 PM8h50Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:00 PMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL$1591One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Chicago, IL to Marion, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $33, and a bus costs an average of $52.
Distance: 292 miles (471 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$91 Average price Cheapest | $97 Average price | $67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 14m Average total duration Fastest 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 23m Average total duration 10h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL:
A train is $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL costing on average $97 (€77).
Other travel options to Marion, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 53m.
Tickets start at around $91 (€73) compared to roughly $67 (€54) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-23.69 (€-18.93). The journey takes 5h 44m versus 4h 34m 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.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Marion, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Marion, IL trains for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:15 PM Chicago, IL | 5h30 | 7:45 PM Marion, IL | 0 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 Marion, IL by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL
Trains from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:16, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 292 miles (471 km) distance in 5h 16m.
Distance 292 miles (471 km) |
Average train duration 5h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€26) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 16m |
First train 1:16 AM |
Last train 9:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Marion, IL from $33 (€26). 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 Marion, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Marion, 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 Marion, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL
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