The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Williston, ND
Cheapest price
$477
Average price
$477
Fastest journey
20 h 54 m
Average duration
20 h 54 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1434 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Williston, ND 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 Williston, ND will cost around $477 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $477.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Williston, ND on Mon, Jun 22, 1 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 1434 km distance in an average of 20 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 h 54 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 20 h 54 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.
3:05 PM20h54Chicago, IL11:59 AMWilliston, ND$4771One-way0 transfers
3:05 PM20h54Chicago, IL11:59 AMWilliston, ND$4771One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Chicago, IL to Williston, ND
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Williston, ND among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $178. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 9h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $178, and a flight costs an average of $389.
Distance: 891 miles (1434 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$216 Average price Cheapest | $618 Average price | $212 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 22m Average total duration 20h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 9m Average total duration Fastest 9h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Williston, ND:
A train is $402 (€329) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Williston, ND costing on average $618 (€506).
Other travel options to Williston, ND take longer:
Train takes on average 20h 52m.
Tickets start at around $216 (€177) compared to roughly $212 (€174) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-3.80 (€-3.11). The journey takes 20h 52m versus 15h 27m 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.
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 Williston, ND train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Williston, ND 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1333 Borealis · 7 Empire Builder | 11:10 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 24h49 | 11:59 AM Williston Amtrak, Williston, ND | 1 transfer | |
1333 Borealis · 27 Empire Builder | 11:10 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 24h49 | 11:59 AM Williston Amtrak, Williston, ND | 1 transfer | |
27 Empire Builder | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 20h54 | 11:59 AM Williston Amtrak, Williston, ND | 0 transfersDirect | |
7 Empire Builder | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 20h54 | 11:59 AM Williston Amtrak, Williston, ND | 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 Williston, ND by train or flight
Compare 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Williston, ND
Trains from Chicago, IL to Williston, ND run on average 4 times per day, taking around 20h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $178 (€146) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 11:10, the last at 19:21. The fastest train covers the 891 miles (1434 km) distance in 20h 54m.
Distance 891 miles (1434 km) |
Average train duration 20h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $178 (€146) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 20h 54m |
First train 11:10 AM |
Last train 7:21 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Williston, ND trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Williston, ND from $178 (€146). 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 Williston, ND
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Williston, ND 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 Williston, ND, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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