Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sat, Nov 29
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Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 30

Cheapest price

$35

Average price

$59

Fastest journey

3 h 51 m

Average duration

10 h 20 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

313 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Effingham, IL 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 Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Effingham, IL for Chicago, IL on Sun, Nov 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Nov 30 the direct trains cover the 313 km distance in an average of 10 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 51 m .

On Sun, Nov 30 the slowest trains will take 16 h 48 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
09:57AM16h48
Effingham, IL
02:45AMChicago, IL
$351One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
10:54PM3h51
Effingham, IL
02:45AMChicago, IL
$821One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, flight, and bus for Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €19, and a flight costs an average of €85.

Distance: 194 miles (313 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€27

Average price

Cheapest

€38

Average price

€170

Average price

4h 26m

Average total duration

3h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 40m

Average total duration

3h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 15m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday, November 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:56 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak10:54 PM Effingham, IL
3h51
2:45 AM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
Sunday, November 30
amtrak9:57 AM Effingham, IL
16h48
2:45 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 Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL by train, flight, or bus

Compare train, flight, and bus 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.

Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06

Journey information

Overview: Train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL

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Trains from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:57, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 194 miles (313 km) distance in 3h 51m.

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
Distance
194 miles (313 km)
Average train duration
3h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
$24 (€19)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
3h 51m
First train
02:57
Last train
21:05
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

Train companies: Amtrak from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Effingham, IL and Chicago, IL from $24 (€19). 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
3h 51m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€19)
Amtrak frequency
2 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 Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Effingham, IL 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.
A day trip from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 51m. There are 4 trains per day covering a distance of 194 miles (313 km).
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.
The distance by train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL is 194 miles (313 km).
The train journey from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL offers a blend of scenic views, including glimpses of the Illinois countryside, farmland, and small towns. However, much of the route is also characterized by urban and suburban landscapes as you approach Chicago.
There is no high speed train available from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL.
The first train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 2:57 AM.
Train ticket prices from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $24 (€19), while the average price is around $34 (€27).
Yes, you can take the train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL.
The last train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 9:05 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL is by train, with a cost of around $24 (€19).
Yes, there is a direct train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The train from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL takes 3h 51m and runs 4 per day.
The train station in Effingham, IL that goes to Chicago, IL is Effingham Station, Effingham, IL, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Effingham, IL to Chicago, IL

Effingham
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Effingham is Effingham Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Effingham Station for your trip from Effingham to Chicago.
Effingham StationAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility

Most popular train connections from Effingham, IL

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