The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Princeton, IL
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
1 h 44 m
Average duration
1 h 45 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
160 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Princeton, 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 Princeton, IL will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 4 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Princeton, IL on Sat, May 30, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 30 the direct trains cover the 160 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 44 m .
On Sat, May 30 the slowest trains will take 1 h 48 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 Sandburg7:40 AM1h45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL9:25 AMPrinceton Station, Princeton, IL$191One-way0 transfers
383 Illinois Zephyr5:55 PM1h48Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:43 PMPrinceton Station, Princeton, IL$251One-way0 transfers
3 Southwest Chief1:30 PM1h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3:14 PMPrinceton Station, Princeton, IL$371One-way0 transfers
5 California Zephyr2:00 PM1h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3:44 PMPrinceton Station, Princeton, IL$541One-way0 transfers
3 Southwest Chief1:30 PM1h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3:14 PMPrinceton Station, Princeton, IL$371One-way0 transfers
5 California Zephyr2:00 PM1h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3:44 PMPrinceton Station, Princeton, IL$541One-way0 transfers
381 Carl Sandburg7:40 AM1h45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL9:25 AMPrinceton Station, Princeton, IL$191One-way0 transfers
383 Illinois Zephyr5:55 PM1h48Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:43 PMPrinceton Station, Princeton, IL$251One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train for Chicago, IL to Princeton, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Princeton, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $15.
Distance: 99 miles (160 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The journey is about 1m faster (1h 46m by train vs 1h 47m by car) and roughly $4 (€3) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($20 (€16) vs $24 (€19)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Princeton, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Princeton, IL trains for today, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:55 PM Chicago, IL | 1h48 | 1:43 AM Princeton, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, May 30 | |||||
381 Carl Sandburg | 7:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h45 | 9:25 AM Princeton Station, Princeton, 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 Princeton, IL by train
Compare 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 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Princeton, IL
Trains from Chicago, IL to Princeton, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:40, the last at 19:47. The fastest train covers the 99 miles (160 km) distance in 1h 44m.
Distance 99 miles (160 km) |
Average train duration 1h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 7:40 AM |
Last train 7:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Princeton, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Princeton, IL from $15 (€12). 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 Princeton, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Princeton, 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 Princeton, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Princeton, 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 Princeton, IL
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