The cheapest and fastest trains from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$66
Fastest journey
4 h 55 m
Average duration
5 h 8 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
419 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 6 trains that leave St. Louis, MO for Chicago, IL on Tue, Nov 18, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Nov 18 the direct trains cover the 419 km distance in an average of 5 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .
On Tue, Nov 18 the slowest trains will take 5 h 34 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.
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
300 Lincoln Service
306 Lincoln Service
302 Lincoln Service
22 Texas Eagle
300 Lincoln Service
306 Lincoln Service
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
302 Lincoln Service
22 Texas EagleTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €28, and a flight costs an average of €253.
Distance: 260 miles (419 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€45 Average price | €45 Average price Cheapest | €316 Average price |
5h 40m Average total duration 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
300 Lincoln Service | 10:30 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 4h55 | 3:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
302 Lincoln Service | 12:35 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 5h05 | 5:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
22 Texas Eagle | 2:10 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 5h34 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 8:55 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 5h05 | 2:00 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
306 Lincoln Service | 11:40 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 5h03 | 4:43 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets St. Louis, MO 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.
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Nov 24
How far in advance should I book train tickets from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
Trains from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 260 miles (419 km) distance in 4h 11m.
Distance 260 miles (419 km) |
Average train duration 5h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 11m |
First train 04:30 |
Last train 23:45 |
Train companies: Amtrak from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
The train connection between St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities. Amtrak provides reliable service on this route, allowing passengers to enjoy comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With multiple departures daily, it's easy to find a schedule that fits your travel plans while experiencing the ease of rail transportation in the Midwest.
Train Connection: St. Louis to Chicago
Traveling from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL takes approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes on a direct train service. There are up to 4 connections available each day, making it convenient for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities without the hassle of transfers. The journey begins at St. Louis Station in Missouri and concludes at Union Station in Illinois.
St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
The first daily train journey departs from St. Louis at 9:30 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to the Windy City. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 11:40 PM, allowing late-night arrivals in Chicago for those who prefer a later travel option.
Train Tickets Price for St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between St. Louis and Chicago is $27 (24.3€). The average ticket price tends to be around $43 (38.7€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities in the Midwest.
Exploring Chicago's Iconic Landmarks
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 glass ledges that extend over a stunning drop. As we explore this landmark, you'll discover how it has become an integral part of Chicago’s skyline and a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Next up is Millennium Park, inaugurated in 2004 as a vibrant urban oasis that showcases art and culture at every turn. The park features unique attractions like Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate—affectionately nicknamed "The Bean"—and Jay Pritzker Pavilion with its striking stainless-steel design by Frank Gehry; these elements make it an essential gathering place for events and concerts throughout summer months. Here at Millennium Park, you’ll experience firsthand how public spaces can foster community engagement while celebrating creativity.
Finally, let’s head to Navy Pier—a historic waterfront treasure originally opened in 1916 as a shipping facility—and now transformed into one of Chicago's top tourist destinations filled with entertainment options galore! Stretching over six city blocks along Lake Michigan, Navy Pier boasts thrilling rides like the Centennial Wheel alongside charming gardens and cultural venues such as theaters showcasing local talent. With so much to see and do here—from dining experiences to boat tours—you'll understand why this lively pier continues to attract millions each year!
FAQs: Trains from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
- 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
- Landry's Seafood House
- The Station Grille
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Courtyard St. Louis Downtown West
- Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for Amtrak and regional trains
- Hall 2: MetroLink connections
- MetroLink: Red Line, Blue Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 40, 94, 97
- 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 St. Louis, MO
More options for your journey from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
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