- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
We are not able to find a train between these two places.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $44, and a flight costs an average of $141.
Distance: 328 miles (529 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price Cheapest | $302 Average price | $120 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 48m Average total duration 8h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 56m Average total duration 13h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL:
A train is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL costing on average $120 (€99).
A train is $199 (€164) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL costing on average $302 (€248).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 18m.
Bus takes on average 13h 26m.
Tickets start at around $102 (€84) compared to roughly $78 (€64) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-24.04 (€-19.77). The journey takes 8h 18m versus 6h 14m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:49 PM Jefferson City, MO | 8h11 | 1:00 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:49 PM Jefferson City, MO | 8h11 | 2:00 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 328 miles (529 km) distance in 8h 11m.
Distance 328 miles (529 km) |
Average train duration 8h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 8h 11m |
First train 7:15 AM |
Last train 9:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Renowned natural history museum known for dinosaur fossils, global anthropology collections, and the famous T. rex, SUE.
Large hands-on science museum with a U-505 submarine, space exhibits, and interactive displays popular with families.
Chicago’s signature public park, home to major public art, gardens, and frequent events in the city center.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue known for landmark buildings, shopping, and one of the city’s busiest visitor corridors.
Popular pedestrian waterfront lined with views of major architecture, bridges, and boat activity through downtown.
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic and debated local specialties.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food served without ketchup.
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in its juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining working-class Chicago sandwich.
Chicago’s world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation. It offers one of the city’s most celebrated upscale dining experiences.
A beloved casual institution best known for breaded steak sandwiches and hearty Italian-American comfort food. It has a loyal local following and an old-school atmosphere.
A legendary Chicago chain celebrated for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a classic casual atmosphere. One of the city’s best-known places to try this signature dish.
Chicago is pricey for hotels and dining, but budget eats and public transit help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; USD 1-2 per bag for bellhops; USD 2-5 per night for housekeeping.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Jefferson City, 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.

Most Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL trains use the Jefferson City Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Jefferson City, MO and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Jefferson City Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Jefferson City Station.
Ticket office support is available at Jefferson City Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Jefferson City Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Jefferson City Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Courtyard Jefferson City, Fairfield Inn & Suites Jefferson City, Capitol Plaza Hotel.
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.
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