- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
4 h 55 m
Average duration
5 h 9 m
Trains per day
5
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 $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 5 trains that leave St. Louis, MO for Chicago, IL on Tue, Jul 07, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 07 the direct trains cover the 419 km distance in an average of 5 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .
On Tue, Jul 07 the slowest trains will take 5 h 39 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.
306 Lincoln Service
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
300 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 EagleOmio 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 train with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 23m. 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 train costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $104.
Distance: 260 miles (419 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price | $401 Average price | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL:
A train is $9 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL costing on average $67 (€55).
A train is $343 (€282) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL costing on average $401 (€329).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 40m.
Bus takes on average 5h 59m.
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 Chicago, IL trains for today, Monday, July 6. 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 | 4h55 | 9:25 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
22 Texas Eagle | 8:10 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 5h39 | 1:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
422 Texas Eagle | 8:10 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 5h39 | 1:49 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 2:55 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 5h05 | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
306 Lincoln Service | 5:40 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 5h03 | 10:43 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) if you book in advance.
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 55m.
Distance 260 miles (419 km) |
Average train duration 5h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 4:30 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
A top natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, fossils, and broad science collections.
A large hands-on science museum with a German submarine, space exhibits, and interactive engineering displays.
Chicago’s signature downtown park, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and major seasonal events.
The city’s best-known avenue for architecture, shopping, and bustling urban energy along North Michigan Avenue.
A popular pedestrian waterfront with excellent skyline views, bridges, and easy access to boat architecture tours.
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic and debated local specialties.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food served without ketchup.
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in its juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining working-class Chicago sandwich.
Chicago’s world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation. It offers one of the city’s most celebrated upscale dining experiences.
A beloved casual institution best known for breaded steak sandwiches and hearty Italian-American comfort food. It has a loyal local following and an old-school atmosphere.
A legendary Chicago chain celebrated for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a classic casual atmosphere. One of the city’s best-known places to try this signature dish.
Chicago is pricey for hotels and dining, but budget eats and public transit help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; USD 1-2 per bag for bellhops; USD 2-5 per night for housekeeping.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.

Most St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL trains use the St. Louis Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare St. Louis, MO and Chicago, 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.
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