Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri, Nov 21
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 22

Cheapest price

$144

Average price

$144

Fastest journey

9 h 19 m

Average duration

9 h 19 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

405 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL will cost around $144 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $144.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Cincinnati, OH for Chicago, IL on Sat, Nov 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Nov 22 the direct trains cover the 405 km distance in an average of 9 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 19 m .

On Sat, Nov 22 the slowest trains will take 9 h 19 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.

Amtrak51 Cardinal
01:41AM9h19
Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH
10:00AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$1441One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, flight, and train for Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €33, and a flight costs an average of €97.

Distance: 251 miles (405 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€113

Average price

€50

Average price

Cheapest

€287

Average price

9h 49m

Average total duration

9h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 27m

Average total duration

6h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 30m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

United

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL by bus, flight, or train

Compare bus, flight, and 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.

Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $117 (€95) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:41, the last at 17:55. The fastest train covers the 251 miles (405 km) distance in 9h 19m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $40 (€33)
Distance
251 miles (405 km)
Average train duration
9h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
$117 (€95)
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
9h 19m
First train
01:41
Last train
17:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $40 (€33)

Train companies: Amtrak from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Cincinnati, OH and Chicago, IL from $40 (€33). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 19m
Cheapest Price
$118 (€96)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The train journey from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing through picturesque towns, lush greenery, and views of the Ohio River, making it a moderately scenic route.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
The distance by train from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL is 251 miles (405 km).
A day trip from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 19m and there is only 1 train per day covering a distance of 251 miles (405 km).
Train ticket prices from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $117 (€95), while the average price is around $138 (€113).
The first train from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL leaves at 1:41 AM.
The last train from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL leaves at 5:55 PM.
The train from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL runs once a day and takes approximately 9h 19m.
The cheapest way to get from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $40 (€33).
The train station in Cincinnati, OH that goes to Chicago, IL is Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
There is no high speed train available from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL

Cincinnati
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Cincinnati is Union Terminal. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Terminal for your trip from Cincinnati to Chicago.
Union TerminalParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Dining
Dining
  • Union Terminal Restaurant
  • The Dining Car
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • Free for passengers
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
  • Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
  • The Westin Cincinnati
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Station Plan
  • The station includes a museum center and various exhibition halls.
Public transit options for Union Terminal
  • Bus: Several lines available

Most popular train connections from Cincinnati, OH

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, ILCincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone