The cheapest and fastest trains from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$364
Average price
$368
Fastest journey
18 h 40 m
Average duration
22 h 16 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1475 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO to Chicago, IL will cost around $368 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $364.
Of the 2 trains that leave Denver, CO for Chicago, IL on Mon, May 25, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 1475 km distance in an average of 22 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 40 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 52 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.
6 California Zephyr6:59 PM18h40Union Station, Denver, CO2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3641One-way0 transfers
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg6:59 PM25h52Union Station, Denver, CO9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3721One-way1 transfer
6 California Zephyr6:59 PM18h40Union Station, Denver, CO2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3641One-way0 transfers
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg6:59 PM25h52Union Station, Denver, CO9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3721One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $75, and a train costs an average of $93.
Distance: 916 miles (1475 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$291 Average price | $174 Average price | $147 Average price Cheapest | $214 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 11m Average total duration 18h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 23h 31m Average total duration 23h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.4 - 8.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $28 (€22) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL costing on average $174 (€141).
A bus is $145 (€117) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL costing on average $291 (€236).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 41m.
Bus takes on average 23h 1m.
Tickets start at around $291 (€236) compared to roughly $214 (€173) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-77.42 (€-62.65). The journey takes 18h 41m versus 14h 21m 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
Denver, CO to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Denver, CO to Chicago, IL trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 California Zephyr | 6:59 PM Union Station, Denver, CO | 18h40 | 2:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg | 6:59 PM Union Station, Denver, CO | 25h52 | 9:51 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Denver, CO to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Jun 07
Jun 08
Jun 09
Jun 10
Jun 11
Jun 12
Jun 13
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
Trains from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 18h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $93 (€76) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:40, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 916 miles (1475 km) distance in 18h 40m.
Distance 916 miles (1475 km) |
Average train duration 18h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $93 (€76) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 18h 40m |
First train 7:40 AM |
Last train 7:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 56 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Denver, CO and Chicago, IL from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Wynkoop Street.
- Snooze an A.M. Eatery
- Mercantile Dining & Provision
- Ultreia
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1.00
- The Crawford Hotel
- The Oxford Hotel
- Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and RTD services
- Hall 2: dining and shopping area
- Hall 3: hotel access
- RTD Light Rail: Lines A, B, G
- Bus: Several RTD bus lines available
- 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 Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


