The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE
Cheapest price
$132
Average price
$134
Fastest journey
9 h 9 m
Average duration
12 h 19 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
692 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Omaha, 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 Omaha, NE will cost around $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $132.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Omaha, NE on Thu, Feb 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Feb 26 the direct trains cover the 692 km distance in an average of 12 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 9 m .
On Thu, Feb 26 the slowest trains will take 15 h 29 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.
381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr
5 California Zephyr
5 California Zephyr
381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California ZephyrTravel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $115.
Distance: 429 miles (692 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$140 Average price | $101 Average price Cheapest | $350 Average price |
9h 37m Average total duration 9h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 15m Average total duration 9h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 2.1 - 4.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE trains for today, Wednesday, February 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 California Zephyr | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 9h09 | 5:09 AM Omaha Station, Omaha, NE | 0 transfersDirect | ||
| Thursday, February 26 | ||||||
381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr | 1:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 15h29 | 5:09 AM Omaha Station, Omaha, NE | 1 transfer | ||
This is the last train of the day. | ||||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, 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.
Feb 26
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE
Trains from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $66 (€52) but you can travel from only $60 (€48) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 17:00. The fastest train covers the 429 miles (692 km) distance in 9h 9m.
Distance 429 miles (692 km) |
Average train duration 9h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€52) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 9m |
First train 05:10 |
Last train 17:00 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Omaha, NE from $60 (€48). 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 Omaha, NE
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Omaha, 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 Omaha, NE, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station consists of a single-level building with waiting areas and ticketing services.
- Bus: Omaha Metro Transit Route 13
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE
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