- Must visit
Eskenazi Museum of Art
Indiana University’s major art museum, known for its global collection spanning ancient to contemporary works and its striking I. M. Pei-designed building.
Cheapest price
$16
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
1 h 49 m
Average duration
1 h 56 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
Of the 12 trains that leave St. Louis, MO for Bloomington, IL on Thu, Jul 02, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 1 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 49 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the slowest trains will take 2 h 12 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 Service
300 Lincoln Service
306 Lincoln Service
306 Lincoln Service
302 Lincoln Service
300 Lincoln Service
302 Lincoln Service
306 Lincoln Service
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
22 Texas EagleOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, 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 train which can get you there in 2h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $15, and a bus costs an average of $54.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 35m Average total duration 10h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL:
A train is $47 (€39) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL costing on average $71 (€58).
Other travel options to Bloomington, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 5m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
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 St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
300 Lincoln Service | 4:30 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 2h33 | 7:03 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
300 Lincoln Service | 5:14 AM Alton Station, Alton, IL | 1h49 | 7:03 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
302 Lincoln Service | 6:35 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 2h38 | 9:13 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
302 Lincoln Service | 7:21 AM Alton Station, Alton, IL | 1h52 | 9:13 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
22 Texas Eagle | 8:10 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 2h58 | 11:08 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
22 Texas Eagle | 8:56 AM Alton Station, Alton, IL | 2h12 | 11:08 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 21:47. The fastest train covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 1h 49m.
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average train duration 2h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 4:30 AM |
Last train 9:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Bloomington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bloomington trip today.
Indiana University’s major art museum, known for its global collection spanning ancient to contemporary works and its striking I. M. Pei-designed building.
A university museum focused on world cultures, material traditions, and anthropology, with rotating exhibitions that are especially strong for curious local visitors.
Local history museum covering Bloomington and Monroe County through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits on everyday life and regional development.
Bloomington’s best-known main street, lined with historic storefronts, university energy, and some of the city’s most walkable urban atmosphere.
The historic downtown heart of Bloomington, ideal for walking, people-watching, architecture, and seasonal events around the courthouse.
A large modern park built on a former rail corridor, now very popular for walking, open lawns, events, and contemporary public space design.
A Hoosier classic: a breaded and fried pork cutlet served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is one of Indiana’s most iconic comfort foods.
Indiana’s state pie, made with a rich custard-style filling of cream, sugar, and vanilla in a flaky crust. It is a traditional Midwestern dessert strongly associated with the state.
A common Indiana bar-and-grill favorite, especially in southern Indiana. Whole mushrooms are breaded and fried, usually served with dipping sauce.
A Bloomington institution loved for thick, hearty pizzas and a classic college-town atmosphere. It is one of the city’s most established casual dining spots.
A well-known upscale-casual restaurant in downtown Bloomington, popular for steaks, seafood, and polished service in a comfortable setting.
A respected farm-to-table restaurant emphasizing Indiana ingredients, seasonal menus, and a warm neighborhood feel. Strong option for regional Midwestern cooking.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and game-day weekends can raise prices.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Round up or tip 10-15% for taxis. Tip hotel staff USD 2-5 for help. Tipping is not usually expected at fast-food spots.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL trains use the St. Louis Station to Uptown Station station pair. Use this guide to compare St. Louis, MO and Bloomington, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
St. Louis Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Landry's Seafood House, The Station Grille
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at St. Louis Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at St. Louis Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St. Louis Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at St. Louis Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at St. Louis Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Courtyard St. Louis Downtown West, Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need