- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Oct 09
$47
Average ticket price on Oct 09
$59
Fastest journey on Oct 09
3 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Oct 09
4 h 19 m
Trains on Oct 09
3
Distance
239 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portage, WI 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 Portage, WI to Chicago, IL will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
On Fri, Oct 09, we found 3 trains from Portage, WI to Chicago, IL, including 3 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 09 the direct trains cover the 239 km distance in an average of 4 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 26 m .
On Fri, Oct 09 the slowest trains will take 6 h 4 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.






Trains from Portage, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 15:58. The fastest train covers the 148 miles (239 km) distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 148 miles (239 km) |
Average train duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 3:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
The table below shows live departures for Portage, WI to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:17 PM Portage, WI | 6h04 | 12:21 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:55 PM Portage, WI | 3h26 | 1:21 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Traveling between Portage, WI and Chicago, IL is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. The train service offers comfortable seating and scenic views as you traverse the distance of approximately 150 miles. With multiple daily departures, passengers can enjoy a hassle-free ride while experiencing the charm of both cities. Whether you're heading to Chicago for its vibrant culture or returning home to Portage's serene landscapes, Amtrak provides an efficient connection that enhances your travel experience.
The train connection from Portage, WI to Chicago, IL takes approximately 3 hours and 28 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day. Passengers will depart from Portage Station, WI and arrive at Union Station, IL.
The first daily train departs from Portage at 18:17 and arrives in Chicago at 19:17. This convenient schedule allows travelers to enjoy an evening journey between these two cities.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Portage to Chicago is $34 (30.6€). The average ticket price tends to be around $62 (55.8€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in the Midwest.
Welcome to the Willis Tower, once known as the Sears Tower, which held the title of the tallest building in the world for 25 years after its completion in 1973. 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 The Ledge—glass boxes that extend beyond the building’s edge! As we explore this landmark, you'll appreciate how it has become a central part of Chicago's skyline and an enduring symbol of American ingenuity.
Next up is Millennium Park, a vibrant urban oasis that opened in 2004 and quickly became one of Chicago’s most beloved attractions. Home to stunning art installations like Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate (affectionately known as "The Bean"), this park serves as a cultural hub with free concerts and events throughout summer months. Its unique blend of nature and modern design makes it an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience both relaxation and artistic inspiration right in downtown Chicago.
Finally, let’s head over to Navy Pier—a historic waterfront destination that first opened in 1916 primarily as a shipping facility before evolving into a family-friendly entertainment complex. Stretching over six city blocks along Lake Michigan, Navy Pier features thrilling rides like The Centennial Wheel alongside charming gardens and diverse dining options—all while offering spectacular views of both lakefront sunsets and city skylines. Whether you're here for leisure or adventure, Navy Pier captures what makes Chicago truly special: its rich history combined with lively contemporary culture.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portage, WI 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 Portage, WI to Chicago, IL trains use the Portage Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Portage, WI and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Portage Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility, and WC.
Food and drink options are available at Portage Station.
Available at Portage Station: WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portage Station: Elevators, ramps.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need