- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
2 h 58 m
Average duration
4 h 33 m
Trains per day
5
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 $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 5 trains that leave Columbus, WI for Chicago, IL on Fri, Aug 07, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 07 the direct trains cover the 200 km distance in an average of 4 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 58 m .
On Fri, Aug 07 the slowest trains will take 5 h 34 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.










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 $24 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 $24 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 58m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 4:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
The table below shows live departures for Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:47 PM Columbus, WI | 2h58 | 9:45 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:13 PM Columbus, WI | 3h13 | 12:26 AM 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
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.

Most Columbus, WI to Chicago, IL trains use the Columbus Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Columbus, WI and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Columbus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Dining, and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Columbus Station.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus Station.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus Station.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need