The cheapest and fastest trains from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$129
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
14 h 3 m
Average duration
14 h 3 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
511 km
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 $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $129.
Of the 1 trains that leave Columbia, MO for Chicago, IL on Sat, Mar 28, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 28 the direct trains cover the 511 km distance in an average of 14 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 h 3 m .
On Sat, Mar 28 the slowest trains will take 14 h 3 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 train with prices starting from $51. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $51, and a flight costs an average of $219.
Distance: 317 miles (511 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$88 Average price Cheapest | $94 Average price | $323 Average price |
8h 57m Average total duration 8h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 13m Average total duration 9h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m 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, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:49 PM Columbia, MO | 8h11 | 2:00 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, March 22 | |||||
![]() | 1:12 AM Columbia, MO | 14h03 | 3:15 PM Chicago, IL | 0 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, 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.
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL
Trains from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€42) but you can travel from only $45 (€36) 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.
Distance 317 miles (511 km) |
Average train duration 8h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€42) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 8h 11m |
First train 07:15 |
Last train 20:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Columbia, MO and Chicago, IL from $45 (€36). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Columbia, MO to Chicago, 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
More options for your journey from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL
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