The cheapest and fastest trains from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$114
Average price
$144
Fastest journey
10 h 17 m
Average duration
14 h 26 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
747 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Topeka, KS 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 Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL will cost around $144 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $114.
Of the 3 trains that leave Topeka, KS for Chicago, IL on Wed, May 27, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 747 km distance in an average of 14 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 17 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 17 h 26 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.
4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner4:25 AM15h35Topeka Station, Topeka, KS8:00 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1141One-way1 transfer
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg4:25 AM17h26Topeka Station, Topeka, KS9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1571One-way1 transfer
4 Southwest Chief4:25 AM10h17Topeka Station, Topeka, KS2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1621One-way0 transfers
4 Southwest Chief4:25 AM10h17Topeka Station, Topeka, KS2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1621One-way0 transfers
4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner4:25 AM15h35Topeka Station, Topeka, KS8:00 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1141One-way1 transfer
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg4:25 AM17h26Topeka Station, Topeka, KS9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1571One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL
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 $80. 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 $80, and a flight costs an average of $187.
Distance: 464 miles (747 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$128 Average price Cheapest | $168 Average price | $393 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 $40 (€32) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL costing on average $168 (€135).
A train is $265 (€214) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL costing on average $393 (€317).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 47m.
Bus takes on average 12h 55m.
Live departures
Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Southwest Chief | 4:25 AM Topeka Station, Topeka, KS | 10h17 | 2:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 4:25 AM Topeka Station, Topeka, KS | 15h35 | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg | 4:25 AM Topeka Station, Topeka, KS | 17h26 | 9:51 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Topeka, KS 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.
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Journey information
Overview: Train from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL
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 $80 (€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 $80 (€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 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Topeka, KS and Chicago, IL from $80 (€64). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station features a single main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Several local bus lines available
- 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 Topeka, KS
More options for your journey from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL
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