4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
2 h 58 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
200 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Columbus, WI 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 Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 6 trains that leave Columbus, WI for Chicago, IL on Fri, May 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct trains cover the 200 km distance in an average of 3 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 58 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 5 h 39 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.
1340 Borealis4:13 PM3h13Columbus Station, Columbus, WI7:26 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$401One-way0 transfers- 1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service4:13 PM4h51Columbus Station, Columbus, WI9:04 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$491One-way1 transfer
- 28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis1:47 PM5h39Columbus Station, Columbus, WI7:26 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$561One-way1 transfer
- 8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis1:47 PM5h39Columbus Station, Columbus, WI7:26 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$581One-way1 transfer
- 28 Empire Builder1:47 PM2h58Columbus Station, Columbus, WI4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$611One-way0 transfers
- 28 Empire Builder1:47 PM2h58Columbus Station, Columbus, WI4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$611One-way0 transfers
- 8 Empire Builder1:47 PM2h58Columbus Station, Columbus, WI4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$761One-way0 transfers
- 1340 Borealis4:13 PM3h13Columbus Station, Columbus, WI7:26 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$401One-way0 transfers
- 1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service4:13 PM4h51Columbus Station, Columbus, WI9:04 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$491One-way1 transfer
- 8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis1:47 PM5h39Columbus Station, Columbus, WI7:26 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$581One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $221.
Distance: 124 miles (200 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $342 Average price | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 26m Average total duration 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL:
A train is $301 (€240) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $342 (€273).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 56m.
Bus takes on average 3h 40m.
Tickets start at around $41 (€32) compared to roughly $34 (€27) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.79 (€-5.42). The journey takes 2h 56m versus 2h 36m 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
Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:47 PM Columbus, WI | 2h58 | 10:45 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:23 PM Columbus, WI | 2h58 | 1:21 AM 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 Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL 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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Trains from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 16:26. The fastest train covers the 124 miles (200 km) distance in 2h 58m.
Distance 124 miles (200 km) |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 58m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 4:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Columbus, WI and Chicago, IL from $25 (€20). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
The train connection between Columbus, WI and Chicago, IL is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Chicago. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey to experience all that Chicago has to offer.
Train Connection: Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
The train connection from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day with no transfers required. Passengers will depart from Columbus Station, WI and arrive at Union Station, IL.
Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
The first daily train journey departs from Columbus at 18:47 and arrives in Chicago at 21:26. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for evening travel between these two cities.
Train Tickets Price for Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL is $21 (19€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $34 (31€), making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these two cities.
Exploring Chicago's Iconic Landmarks
Welcome to the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, which was completed in 1973 and held the title of the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years. This iconic skyscraper not only symbolizes Chicago's architectural innovation but also offers breathtaking views from its Skydeck on the 103rd floor, where you can step out onto glass ledges that extend four feet outside of the building! As we explore this landmark, you'll discover how it has become a central part of Chicago’s skyline and an essential stop for visitors seeking both history and stunning vistas.
Next up is Millennium Park, inaugurated in 2004 as a vibrant urban space designed to bring art and culture into everyday life. Home to famous attractions like Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate—affectionately known as "The Bean"—and Jay Pritzker Pavilion with its striking architecture by Frank Gehry, this park serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. With lush gardens, interactive fountains like Crown Fountain featuring digital faces of Chicagoans, and year-round events such as concerts or movie nights under stars; Millennium Park truly embodies community spirit while showcasing artistic brilliance.
Finally, let’s head over to Navy Pier—a historic waterfront destination that opened in 1916 originally intended for shipping goods but quickly transformed into an entertainment hub. Stretching over six city blocks along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, it features thrilling rides at Pier Park including one of America’s largest Ferris wheels alongside restaurants offering delicious local cuisine with picturesque lake views. As we stroll through this lively pier filled with shops and cultural venues like The Shakespeare Theater Company or seasonal festivals; you’ll see why Navy Pier remains one of Chicago's most beloved landmarks attracting millions each year!
FAQs: Trains from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbus, WI 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 Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
WifiDiningAccessibility
Wifi
Lockers
ParkingDining
ATM
TaxisAccessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Carts
- 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
Most popular train connections from Columbus, WI
More options for your journey from Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Columbus, WI
Most popular train connections to Chicago, IL
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.
