- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$90
Fastest journey
4 h 44 m
Average duration
8 h 20 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
340 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mount Pleasant, IA 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 Mount Pleasant, IA to Chicago, IL will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 2 trains that leave Mount Pleasant, IA for Chicago, IL on Fri, Jun 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct trains cover the 340 km distance in an average of 8 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 44 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest trains will take 11 h 56 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 Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg
6 California Zephyr
6 California Zephyr
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl SandburgOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mount Pleasant, IA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $34, and a flight costs an average of $133.
Distance: 211 miles (340 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$70 Average price Cheapest | $242 Average price | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 14m Average total duration 4h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Mount Pleasant, IA to Chicago, IL:
A train is $172 (€143) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Mount Pleasant, IA to Chicago, IL costing on average $242 (€200).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 44m.
Tickets start at around $70 (€58) compared to roughly $61 (€50) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-8.99 (€-7.44). The journey takes 4h 44m versus 4h 24m 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 Mount Pleasant, IA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg | 9:55 AM Mt. Pleasant Station, Mount Pleasant, IA | 11h56 | 9:51 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
6 California Zephyr | 9:55 AM Mt. Pleasant Station, Mount Pleasant, IA | 4h44 | 2:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Mount Pleasant, IA to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:40, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 211 miles (340 km) distance in 4h 44m.
Distance 211 miles (340 km) |
Average train duration 4h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€28) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 44m |
First train 7:40 AM |
Last train 6:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 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 premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
The train connection between Mount Pleasant, IA and Chicago, IL is primarily serviced by Amtrak. This convenient route allows travelers to enjoy a scenic journey through the Midwest while experiencing comfortable amenities on board. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their trip to explore the vibrant culture and attractions of Chicago after departing from charming Mount Pleasant.
The train connection from Mount Pleasant, IA to Chicago, IL takes approximately 4 hours and 44 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day with no transfers required. Passengers will depart from Mt. Pleasant Station, IA and arrive at Union Station, IL.
The first daily train journey departs from Mount Pleasant at 14:54 and arrives in Chicago at 15:54. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for exploring the vibrant city of Chicago after a short trip.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Mount Pleasant to Chicago is $38 (34.2€). The average ticket price tends to be around $56 (50.4€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in the Midwest.
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 vital part of Chicago’s skyline and an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience urban heights.
Next up is Millennium Park, inaugurated in 2004 as a vibrant public space designed to foster community engagement through art and culture. The park features unique attractions like Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate—affectionately nicknamed "The Bean"—which reflects both visitors and stunning cityscapes while serving as a gathering point for locals and tourists alike. With its beautiful gardens, outdoor concerts at Pritzker Pavilion, and interactive installations such as Crown Fountain, Millennium Park truly embodies Chicago’s spirit of creativity.
Finally, let’s stroll over to Navy Pier—a historic waterfront destination that opened in 1916 originally intended for shipping goods but quickly transformed into a beloved recreational area. Today it boasts thrilling rides like The Centennial Wheel along with diverse dining options and cultural venues including theaters showcasing local talent. Whether you're here for family fun or simply soaking up picturesque lakefront views against our magnificent skyline backdrop, Navy Pier promises unforgettable experiences around every corner!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mount Pleasant, IA 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.

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