- Must visit
Kansas Museum of History
Leading local history museum with Kansas political, military, and everyday life exhibits. A strong introduction to the city and state.
Cheapest price on Oct 07
$90
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$94
Fastest journey on Oct 07
14 h 11 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
14 h 11 m
Trains on Oct 07
2
Distance
747 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Topeka, KS 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 Topeka, KS will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
On Wed, Oct 07, we found 2 trains from Chicago, IL to Topeka, KS, including 2 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 07 the direct trains cover the 747 km distance in an average of 14 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 h 11 m .
On Wed, Oct 07 the slowest trains will take 14 h 11 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.




Trains from Chicago, IL to Topeka, KS run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $117 (€98) but you can travel from only $74 (€62) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 464 miles (747 km) distance in 9h 36m.
Distance 464 miles (747 km) |
Average train duration 10h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $117 (€98) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 36m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 11:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 42 days |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Topeka, KS trains for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:50 PM Chicago, IL | 14h11 | 5:01 AM Topeka, KS | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Topeka, KS — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Topeka, KS trip today.
Leading local history museum with Kansas political, military, and everyday life exhibits. A strong introduction to the city and state.
Museum and historic site preserving the Brown v. Board story. Essential for understanding civil rights history in Topeka and the nation.
Family-friendly museum focused on Kansas National Guard and military history, with aircraft, vehicles, and engaging exhibits.
Large urban park with rose gardens, trails, a zoo, and seasonal events. Ideal for a relaxed walk and one of Topeka’s classic green spaces.
Downtown arts and entertainment district with murals, venues, and public events. Good for strolling and seeing a livelier side of Topeka.
Wooded nature area with hiking trails, prairie views, and wildlife habitat on the city edge. Popular with locals for walking and birding.
Smoked pork or beef burnt ends are a Kansas barbecue staple, prized for smoky bark, rich fat, and slow-cooked flavor common across local smokehouses.
Slow-smoked beef brisket is central to regional barbecue culture, served sliced with rub and smoke-forward flavor rather than heavy sauce.
Kansas-style pork ribs are rubbed, smoked low and slow, and often finished with sweet-tangy barbecue sauce popular in the region.
Historic diner-style restaurant serving chicken fried steak, pies, and Midwestern comfort food in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Upscale-casual American restaurant with steaks, seafood, and polished service, suited for a more refined night out.
Long-running casual barbecue spot known for smoked meats, burnt ends, and classic Kansas sides in a relaxed setting.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major U.S. cities, while car travel is common and local transit options are limited.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or $1 at cafes. Tips are customary and often expected for table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Topeka, KS 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 Topeka, KS, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Topeka, KS trains use the Union Station to Topeka Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Topeka, KS 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.
Topeka Station is 1 km from Topeka city centre. Public transport options include:
Topeka Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Topeka Station.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Topeka Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Topeka Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Topeka Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Topeka Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Topeka Station: Ramps.
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