Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sat, Dec 13
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Dec 19

Cheapest price

$93

Average price

$93

Fastest journey

8 h 11 m

Average duration

8 h 11 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

511 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Columbia, MO 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 Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Columbia, MO for Chicago, IL on Fri, Dec 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Dec 19 the direct trains cover the 511 km distance in an average of 8 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 11 m .

On Fri, Dec 19 the slowest trains will take 8 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.

Amtrak
04:49PM8h11
Columbia, MO
01:00AMChicago, IL
$931One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €41. 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 €41, and a flight costs an average of €236.

Distance: 317 miles (511 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€66

Average price

€60

Average price

Cheapest

€299

Average price

9h 2m

Average total duration

8h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 54m

Average total duration

9h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 30m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, December 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:14 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak4:49 PM Columbia, MO
10h54
3:43 AM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, 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.

Fri
Dec 19
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Jan 01

Why should you book Columbia to Chicago trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Columbia to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Columbia to Chicago.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Columbia to Chicago.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

Trains from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€50) but you can travel from only $51 (€41) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 20:05. The fastest train covers the 317 miles (511 km) distance in 8h 11m.

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 $51 (€41)
Distance
317 miles (511 km)
Average train duration
8h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
$62 (€50)
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
8h 11m
First train
07:15
Last train
20:05
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 $51 (€41)

Train companies: Amtrak from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Columbia, MO and Chicago, IL from $51 (€41). 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
8h 11m
Cheapest Price
$61 (€49)
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
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 Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbia, MO 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
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.
Train ticket prices from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $62 (€50), while the average price is around $82 (€66).
A day trip from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 8h 11m. However, there are 3 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 317 miles (511 km).
The train from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL takes 8h 11m and runs 3 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $51 (€41).
The first train from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL leaves at 7:15 AM.
The last train from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL leaves at 8:05 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL.
The train journey from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL offers a mix of scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling hills of Missouri and the rural landscapes of Illinois, with glimpses of the Mississippi River enhancing the experience.
Yes, there is a direct train from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL.
The distance by train from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL is 317 miles (511 km).
The train station in Columbia, MO that goes to Chicago, IL is Jefferson City Station, Jefferson City, MO, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
There is no high speed train available from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL

Columbia
Chicago
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, ILColumbia, MO to Chicago, IL train

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