- 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
$542
Average price
$542
Fastest journey
11h 12m
Average duration
11h 12m
Trains per day
1
Distance
747 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $78, and a flight costs an average of $183.
Distance: 464 miles (747 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$126 Average price Cheapest | $165 Average price | $386 Average price |
11h 17m Average total duration 10h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 25m Average total duration 12h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL:
A train is $39 (€32) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL costing on average $165 (€135).
A train is $260 (€214) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL costing on average $386 (€317).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 47m.
Bus takes on average 12h 55m.
The table below shows live departures for Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL trains for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Southwest Chief | 4:17 AM Topeka Station, Topeka, KS | 11h12 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 11 | |||||
![]() | 5:27 AM Topeka, KS | 110h12 | 7:39 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $78 (€64) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 14:25. The fastest train covers the 464 miles (747 km) distance in 10h 17m.
Distance 464 miles (747 km) |
Average train duration 10h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€64) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 10h 17m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 2:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Topeka, KS 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 Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL trains use the Topeka Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Topeka, KS and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Topeka Station is 1 km from Topeka city centre. Public transport options include:
Topeka Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Topeka Station.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Topeka Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Topeka Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Topeka Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Topeka Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Topeka Station: 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