- Must visit
Eskenazi Museum Of Art
Indiana University’s flagship art museum with a strong collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. Its I. M. Pei-designed building and free admission make it a top cultural stop.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL
Showing times and prices for May 18
Cheapest price
$16
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
1 h 49 m
Average duration
1 h 56 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
231 km
Cheap tickets
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 $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
Fast trains
Of the 14 trains that leave St. Louis, MO for Bloomington, IL on Mon, May 18, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 18 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 Mon, May 18 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 Service5:14 AM1h49Alton Station, Alton, IL7:03 AMUptown Station, Normal, IL$161One-way0 transfers- 302 Lincoln Service7:21 AM1h52Alton Station, Alton, IL9:13 AMUptown Station, Normal, IL$161One-way0 transfers
- 306 Lincoln Service6:21 PM1h53Alton Station, Alton, IL8:14 PMUptown Station, Normal, IL$161One-way0 transfers
- 306 Lincoln Service5:40 PM2h34St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO8:14 PMUptown Station, Normal, IL$181One-way0 transfers
- 300 Lincoln Service4:30 AM2h33St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO7:03 AMUptown Station, Normal, IL$181One-way0 transfers
- 300 Lincoln Service5:14 AM1h49Alton Station, Alton, IL7:03 AMUptown Station, Normal, IL$161One-way0 transfers
- 302 Lincoln Service7:21 AM1h52Alton Station, Alton, IL9:13 AMUptown Station, Normal, IL$161One-way0 transfers
- 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner3:39 PM1h53Alton Station, Alton, IL5:32 PMUptown Station, Normal, IL$341One-way0 transfers
- 306 Lincoln Service6:21 PM1h53Alton Station, Alton, IL8:14 PMUptown Station, Normal, IL$161One-way0 transfers
- 422 Texas Eagle8:56 AM2h12Alton Station, Alton, IL11:08 AMUptown Station, Normal, IL$581One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL
Omio 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 $55.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price | $34 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL is a train with an average price of $24 (€19).
This is compared to other travel options from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL:
A train is $48 (€39) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL costing on average $72 (€58).
The fastest way to travel from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL is by train with an average journey time of 2h 36m.
Other travel options to Bloomington, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between St. Louis, MO and Bloomington, IL including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
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.
Live departures
St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL trains for today, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service | 1:47 PM Kirkwood Station, Kirkwood, MO | 6h27 | 8:14 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 1 transfer | |
| 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 1:47 PM Kirkwood Station, Kirkwood, MO | 3h45 | 5:32 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 2:55 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 2h37 | 5:32 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 3:39 PM Alton Station, Alton, IL | 1h53 | 5:32 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 306 Lincoln Service | 5:40 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 2h34 | 8:14 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 306 Lincoln Service | 6:21 PM Alton Station, Alton, IL | 1h53 | 8:14 PM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, May 18 | |||||
| 300 Lincoln Service | 4:30 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 2h33 | 7:03 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 prices and tickets St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL by train or bus
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.
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May 18
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Journey information
Overview: Train from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL
USAUSA
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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
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 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Amtrak from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between St. Louis, MO and Bloomington, IL from $15 (€12). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€12)
Amtrak frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Bloomington
Things to do in Bloomington
Discover the best of Bloomington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bloomington trip today.
- Recommended
Mathers Museum Of World Cultures
A university museum focused on world cultures, material culture, and ethnography. Worth visiting for rotating exhibitions and a more academic, local perspective.
- Recommended
Monroe County History Center
Local history museum covering Bloomington and Monroe County through photographs, artifacts, and community stories. A good choice for understanding the city beyond the campus core.
- Must visit
Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington’s signature downtown street, lined with historic buildings, university energy, and frequent foot traffic. A must for first-time visitors.
- Must visit
Indiana University Bloomington Campus
The city’s defining area, known for limestone architecture, mature trees, and one of the most attractive college campuses in the United States.
- Must visit
B-Line Trail
Popular multi-use urban trail connecting neighborhoods, parks, and downtown areas. Frequently recommended for walking, jogging, and local-style exploration.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
A breaded and fried pork cutlet served on a bun, often much larger than the bread. It is a classic Indiana comfort food strongly associated with small-town diners and pubs.
- Vegetarian
Sugar Cream Pie
Indiana's state pie, made with a rich custard-like filling of cream, sugar, and butter in a flaky crust. It is a signature Hoosier dessert with deep regional roots.
- Vegetarian
Breaded Fried Biscuits And Apple Butter
A beloved southern Indiana specialty of biscuit dough pieces fried until golden and served with apple butter. It is especially tied to the Bloomington and Brown County area.
Mother Bear's Pizza
A long-running local institution famous for thick, hearty pizzas and a classic college-town atmosphere loved by locals and alumni.
The Uptown Cafe
An established downtown favorite known for upscale American dishes, seafood, steaks, and a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
Janko's Little Zagreb
A legendary Bloomington steakhouse best known for big steaks, old-school service, and a traditional dining room popular for special occasions.
United States Dollar
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and upscale meals vary by season and events.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 18-35 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 50+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants with table service, 10-15% for delivery, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip 10% for taxis. Tipping is not usually expected at fast-food spots.
FAQs: Trains from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL
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.
Train ticket prices from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $15 (€12), while the average price is around $24 (€19).
The train from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL takes 1h 49m and runs 12 per day.
The first train from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL leaves at 4:30 AM.
The distance by train from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL is 143 miles (231 km).
The last train from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL leaves at 9:47 PM.
There is no high speed train available from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL. This service operates 11 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL.
The train station in St. Louis, MO that goes to Bloomington, IL is St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO, which connects to Uptown Station, Normal, IL.
The cheapest way to get from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL is by train, with a cost of around $15 (€12).
The train journey from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL offers a mix of scenic views, including glimpses of rolling farmlands, small towns, and stretches of the Mississippi River, providing a pleasant and relaxing travel experience.
A day trip from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL is feasible, with a travel time of 1h 49m and a distance of 143 miles (231 km). There are 11 train trips available per day.
In Bloomington, IL, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts offers theater, music, and dance performances, while the Upper Limits Rock Gym provides indoor climbing challenges for all skill levels. Ewing Cultural Center features beautiful gardens and cultural events. For family fun, Grady's Family Fun Park offers go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games, and Rader Family Farms provides seasonal attractions like a pumpkin patch and corn maze. Notable sights include the McLean County Museum of History, Miller Park Zoo, David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, Constitution Trail for outdoor activities, and the Prairie Aviation Museum with its aviation exhibits.
For a fulfilling visit to Bloomington, IL, plan to spend around 2 to 3 days to explore its key attractions, including the McLean County Museum of History, Miller Park Zoo, and the David Davis Mansion.
Yes, you can take the train from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL.
Since neither St. Louis, MO nor Bloomington, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Bloomington, IL include Joliet, IL, Springfield, IL, Alton, IL, Lincoln, IL, Summit, IL.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Bloomington, IL, travelers should be cautious of common urban safety concerns such as petty theft, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Scams involving overcharging by unofficial taxi services or ride-shares can occur, so using licensed transportation providers is recommended. Travelers should also stay aware of their surroundings at night and avoid isolated areas to ensure personal safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL
St. Louis
Bloomington
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
4Wifi
- Free
Parking
- Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
Dining
- Landry's Seafood House
- The Station Grille
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, restrooms.
WC
- $1
Hotel
- St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Courtyard St. Louis Downtown West
- Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for Amtrak and regional trains
- Hall 2: MetroLink connections
Public transit options for St. Louis Station
- MetroLink: Red Line, Blue Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 40, 94, 97
Most popular train connections from St. Louis, MO
More options for your journey from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bloomington, IL and St. Louis, MO
Most popular train connections to Bloomington, IL
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