The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$85
Fastest journey
6 h 11 m
Average duration
6 h 53 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
369 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI 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 Pontiac, MI will cost around $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Pontiac, MI on Mon, Jun 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 369 km distance in an average of 6 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 11 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 8 h 1 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.
11:45 AM6h26Chicago, IL6:11 PMPontiac, MI$471One-way0 transfers
11:50 PM6h11Chicago, IL6:01 AMPontiac, MI$671One-way0 transfers
9:00 PM8h01Chicago, IL5:01 AMPontiac, MI$1401One-way0 transfers
11:50 PM6h11Chicago, IL6:01 AMPontiac, MI$671One-way0 transfers
11:45 AM6h26Chicago, IL6:11 PMPontiac, MI$471One-way0 transfers
9:00 PM8h01Chicago, IL5:01 AMPontiac, MI$1401One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $64.
Distance: 229 miles (369 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price | $360 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 49m Average total duration 6h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI costing on average $70 (€57).
A bus is $298 (€243) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI costing on average $360 (€295).
Other travel options to Pontiac, MI take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 35m.
Train takes on average 6h 19m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
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 Pontiac, MI train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
354 Wolverine | 4:50 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 6h21 | 12:11 AM Pontiac Station, Pontiac, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, June 22 | |||||
![]() | 11:45 AM Chicago, IL | 6h26 | 6:11 PM Pontiac, MI | 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 Pontiac, MI by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI
Trains from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€39) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 17:50. The fastest train covers the 229 miles (369 km) distance in 6h 11m.
Distance 229 miles (369 km) |
Average train duration 6h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€39) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 6h 11m |
First train 4:13 AM |
Last train 5:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Pontiac, MI from $40 (€33). 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 Pontiac, MI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI 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 Pontiac, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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


