The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL
Cheapest price
$711
Average price
$711
Fastest journey
1 d 18 h 5 m
Average duration
1 d 18 h 5 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
933 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL will cost around $711 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $711.
It's difficult to get from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL without transferring at least once.
41 Floridian · 19 Crescent6:40 PM42h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:45 PMBirmingham Station, Birmingham, AL$7111One-way1 transfer
41 Floridian · 19 Crescent6:40 PM42h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL12:45 PMBirmingham Station, Birmingham, AL$7111One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $124. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $124, and a train costs an average of $273.
Distance: 579 miles (933 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$423 Average price | $168 Average price Cheapest | $349 Average price | $127 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
42h 50m Average total duration 42h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 5m Average total duration 15h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL:
A bus is $182 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL costing on average $349 (€287).
A bus is $256 (€210) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL costing on average $423 (€348).
Other travel options to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 35m.
Train takes on average 42h 20m.
Tickets start at around $423 (€348) compared to roughly $127 (€104) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-296.87 (€-244.06). The journey takes 42h 20m versus 10h 5m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL trains for today, Tuesday, June 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50 Cardinal · 19 Crescent | 5:55 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 42h50 | 12:45 PM Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL | 1 transfer | |
41 Floridian · 19 Crescent | 6:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 42h05 | 12:45 PM Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL
Trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 42h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $273 (€225) but you can travel from only $124 (€102) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 22:55, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 579 miles (933 km) distance in 42h 5m.
Distance 579 miles (933 km) |
Average train duration 42h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $273 (€225) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 42h 5m |
First train 10:55 PM |
Last train 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
FAQs: Trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL
Most Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL trains use the Union Station to Birmingham Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL and Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Getting to Birmingham Station from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham Station train station facilities and services
Birmingham Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Station.
