The cheapest and fastest trains from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$124
Average price
$307
Fastest journey
14 h 5 m
Average duration
19 h 7 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
887 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Little Rock, AR 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 Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL will cost around $307 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $124.
Of the 3 trains that leave Little Rock, AR for Chicago, IL on Thu, May 28, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 28 the direct trains cover the 887 km distance in an average of 19 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 h 5 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest trains will take 22 h 59 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.
22 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service11:44 PM22h59Union Station, Little Rock, AR10:43 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1241One-way1 transfer
22 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner11:44 PM20h16Union Station, Little Rock, AR8:00 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1371One-way1 transfer
22 Texas Eagle11:44 PM14h05Union Station, Little Rock, AR1:49 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$6601One-way0 transfers
22 Texas Eagle11:44 PM14h05Union Station, Little Rock, AR1:49 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$6601One-way0 transfers
22 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner11:44 PM20h16Union Station, Little Rock, AR8:00 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1371One-way1 transfer
22 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service11:44 PM22h59Union Station, Little Rock, AR10:43 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1241One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $76. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $76, and a flight costs an average of $252.
Distance: 551 miles (887 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$167 Average price Cheapest | $378 Average price | $180 Average price | $133 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 16m Average total duration 13h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 0m Average total duration 12h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL:
A train is $13 (€10) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL costing on average $180 (€145).
A train is $211 (€170) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL costing on average $378 (€305).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 30m.
Train takes on average 13h 46m.
Tickets start at around $167 (€135) compared to roughly $133 (€107) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-34.77 (€-28.05). The journey takes 13h 46m versus 9h 18m 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
Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:44 AM Little Rock, AR | 20h16 | 1:00 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:44 AM Little Rock, AR | 22h59 | 4:43 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:44 AM Little Rock, AR | 14h20 | 9:04 PM 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 Little Rock, AR 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 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
Journey information
Overview: Train from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL
Trains from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $76 (€61) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:39, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 551 miles (887 km) distance in 14h 5m.
Distance 551 miles (887 km) |
Average train duration 13h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€61) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 14h 5m |
First train 1:39 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Amtrak from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Little Rock, AR and Chicago, IL from $76 (€61). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL
Traveling between Little Rock, AR and Chicago, IL is a scenic journey made convenient by Amtrak. This train service offers comfortable seating and amenities that allow you to relax while enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the Midwest. With multiple departures throughout the week, passengers can easily plan their trip to explore Chicago's vibrant culture or return home after an adventure in Arkansas' capital city.
Train Connection: Little Rock to Chicago
The train connection from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL takes approximately 14 hours and 3 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day between these two cities. Passengers will depart from Union Station in Arkansas and arrive at Union Station in Illinois.
Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL
The first daily train journey departs from Little Rock at 4:39 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to the vibrant city of Chicago. The last departure is scheduled for 5:39 AM, allowing passengers a convenient option to begin their adventure in the Windy City.
Train Tickets Price for Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Little Rock to Chicago is $134 (121.0€). The average ticket price tends to be around $164 (147.6€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in the U.S.
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 must-visit destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Next up is Millennium Park, inaugurated in 2004 as part of an urban revitalization project aimed at enhancing public spaces within downtown Chicago. The park is significant for its stunning art installations like Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate—affectionately nicknamed "The Bean"—and serves as a vibrant cultural hub hosting concerts and events throughout the year. With beautifully landscaped gardens and interactive features such as Crown Fountain, Millennium Park invites visitors to relax while immersing themselves in art and nature.
Finally, let’s stroll over to Navy Pier—a historic waterfront treasure that opened in 1916 originally designed as a shipping facility before transforming into one of Chicago's top tourist attractions. Spanning over three thousand feet along Lake Michigan with amusement rides like The Centennial Wheel offering panoramic city views; it's perfect for family fun or romantic outings alike! Don’t miss exploring its diverse dining options and unique shops that capture both local flavor and culture during your visit here at Navy Pier.
FAQs: Trains from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Little Rock, AR 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 Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Brave New Restaurant
- The Pantry Crest
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Capital Hotel
- Little Rock Marriott
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Little Rock
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station includes commercial and office space, with an enclosed waiting area.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Streetcar: River Rail Streetcar
- 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 Little Rock, AR
More options for your journey from Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


