The cheapest and fastest trains from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$121
Fastest journey
2 h 19 m
Average duration
2 h 28 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
186 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Normal, 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 Normal, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 4 trains that leave Normal, IL for Chicago, IL on Thu, May 07, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 07 the direct trains cover the 186 km distance in an average of 2 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .
On Thu, May 07 the slowest trains will take 2 h 41 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.
300 Lincoln Service7:06 AM2h19Uptown Station, Normal, IL9:25 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$461One-way0 transfers
302 Lincoln Service9:16 AM2h24Uptown Station, Normal, IL11:40 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$541One-way0 transfers
306 Lincoln Service8:17 PM2h26Uptown Station, Normal, IL10:43 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$621One-way0 transfers
22 Texas Eagle11:08 AM2h41Uptown Station, Normal, IL1:49 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3231One-way0 transfers
300 Lincoln Service7:06 AM2h19Uptown Station, Normal, IL9:25 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$461One-way0 transfers
302 Lincoln Service9:16 AM2h24Uptown Station, Normal, IL11:40 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$541One-way0 transfers
306 Lincoln Service8:17 PM2h26Uptown Station, Normal, IL10:43 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$621One-way0 transfers
22 Texas Eagle11:08 AM2h41Uptown Station, Normal, IL1:49 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3231One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $15. 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 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $228.
Distance: 115 miles (186 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price | $321 Average price | $27 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 55m Average total duration 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 1h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.1kg 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 Normal, IL to Chicago, IL:
A train is $15 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL costing on average $48 (€39).
A train is $289 (€231) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL costing on average $321 (€257).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 25m.
Bus takes on average 5h 24m.
Tickets start at around $33 (€26) compared to roughly $27 (€22) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.60 (€-4.48). The journey takes 2h 25m versus 1h 57m 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
Normal, IL to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Normal, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 5:35 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h25 | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
306 Lincoln Service | 8:17 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h26 | 10:43 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, May 7 | |||||
300 Lincoln Service | 7:06 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h19 | 9:25 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
302 Lincoln Service | 9:16 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h24 | 11:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
22 Texas Eagle | 11:08 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 2h41 | 1:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Normal, IL 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 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
Trains from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:06, the last at 20:17. The fastest train covers the 115 miles (186 km) distance in 2h 19m.
Distance 115 miles (186 km) |
Average train duration 2h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 19m |
First train 7:06 AM |
Last train 8:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 6 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Normal, IL and Chicago, IL from $15 (€12). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Normal, 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station with multiple entry points.
- Medici
- The Rock Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Free for passengers
- Hyatt Place Bloomington/Normal
- Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
- Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: access to platforms and bus connections
- Bus: Connect Transit
- Intercity buses 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
Most popular train connections from Normal, IL
More options for your journey from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL
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