- Must visit
Warren G. Harding Home
Museum at President Harding’s restored home, offering guided tours and exhibits on his life, family, and Marion connections.
Cheapest price on Sep 29
$39
Average ticket price on Sep 29
$42
Fastest journey on Sep 29
5 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 29
7 h 37 m
Trains on Sep 29
2
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 $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
On Tue, Sep 29, we found 2 trains from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 29 the direct trains cover the 471 km distance in an average of 7 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Tue, Sep 29 the slowest trains will take 9 h 44 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.




The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Marion, IL trains for today, Monday, September 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:50 PM Chicago, IL | 15h10 | 6:00 AM Marion, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 PM Chicago, IL | 9h44 | 6:49 AM Marion, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 PM Chicago, IL | 5h30 | 3:35 AM Marion, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Marion, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:16, the last at 20:05. The fastest train covers the 292 miles (471 km) distance in 5h 16m.
Distance 292 miles (471 km) |
Average train duration 5h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 16m |
First train 1:16 AM |
Last train 8:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Marion, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Marion, IL trip today.
Museum at President Harding’s restored home, offering guided tours and exhibits on his life, family, and Marion connections.
Railroad museum and viewing site beside active tracks. Exhibits and the tower appeal to visitors interested in trains and local industry.
Campus museum with regional history collections, student exhibitions, and changing displays. A quieter stop for local culture and art.
Large city park with walking paths, playgrounds, gardens, and event spaces. A pleasant everyday stop for a relaxed outdoor break.
Revived downtown area with historic storefronts, shops, murals, and event venues. Ideal for a walk and a feel for Marion’s center.
Linear trail and green space suited to walking and cycling. It offers an easy way to explore Marion outdoors at a local pace.
Breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is an Indiana staple: a thin pork cutlet pounded wide, fried crisp, and served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread.
Indiana sugar cream pie is the state's classic Hoosier dessert, with a silky cream filling flavored with sugar and vanilla in a flaky pastry crust.
Persimmon pudding is a Southern Indiana favorite, a dark spiced baked pudding made from native persimmons and usually served with cream or ice cream.
Established Marion restaurant serving steaks, seafood, and American classics in a traditional supper-club atmosphere.
Casual local spot known for Indiana-style breaded tenderloin sandwiches, burgers, and comfort food in a relaxed diner setting.
Long-running bakery and cafe popular for donuts, pies, cookies, and light breakfast or lunch in an old-fashioned local setting.
Marion is generally affordable by U.S. standards, with budget dining and chain hotels cheaper than in major cities. Car travel is typical, so transport savings are limited.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Round up or tip 10% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts; $1-2 is common.
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.

Most Chicago, IL to Marion, IL trains use the Union Station to Carbondale Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Marion, IL 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need