Last updated: October 2025
Chicago Union Station serves as Amtrak’s Midwest hub, welcoming travelers from across the country
Chicago Union Station isn’t just a train terminal—it’s the beating heart of Amtrak’s national network. Every day, thousands of passengers arrive in the Windy City aboard long-distance trains from the coasts, connecting services from neighboring states, and regional routes that crisscross the Midwest. Whether you’re planning your first train journey to Chicago or you’re a seasoned rail traveler, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago Union Station serves 15 Amtrak routes, making it the busiest station outside the Northeast Corridor
- Travel times vary: 2 hours from Milwaukee, 19 hours from New York, 46 hours from San Francisco
- Ticket prices range from $25-$400+ depending on route, class, and booking time
- Book 2-3 weeks ahead for the best fares on long-distance routes
- The station offers baggage check, lounges, and direct connections to Chicago’s “L” trains and Metra commuter rail
Which Amtrak Routes Go to Chicago?
Chicago Union Station connects 15 different Amtrak routes, divided into three main categories:
Long-Distance Routes to Chicago
These iconic trains connect Chicago with both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico:
- California Zephyr – San Francisco/Emeryville to Chicago (2,438 miles)
- Southwest Chief – Los Angeles to Chicago via the Southwest (2,265 miles)
- Empire Builder – Seattle/Portland to Chicago through the northern Rockies (2,206 miles)
- Texas Eagle – San Antonio/Los Angeles to Chicago (2,728 miles with LA connection)
- City of New Orleans – New Orleans to Chicago (926 miles)
- Cardinal – New York to Chicago via Washington D.C. and Charleston (1,147 miles)
- Capitol Limited – Washington D.C. to Chicago (764 miles)
- Lake Shore Limited – New York/Boston to Chicago via Albany (959 miles)
Regional and Corridor Services
These trains serve the Midwest with daily frequencies:
- Lincoln Service – St. Louis to Chicago (multiple daily departures)
- Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg – Quincy to Chicago
- Illini/Saluki – Carbondale to Chicago
- Hiawatha Service – Milwaukee to Chicago (7 daily round trips)
- Wolverine – Detroit/Pontiac to Chicago (3 daily trains)
- Pere Marquette – Grand Rapids to Chicago
- Blue Water – Port Huron to Chicago
Amtrak Chicago Train Schedules & Travel Times
Here’s what you can expect for popular routes arriving in Chicago:
| Route | Origin | Travel Time | Daily Frequency | Typical Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiawatha | Milwaukee, WI | 1h 30m | 7 trains | Various throughout day |
| Wolverine | Detroit, MI | 5h 30m | 3 trains | Morning, afternoon, evening |
| Lincoln Service | St. Louis, MO | 5h 30m | 4-5 trains | Morning through evening |
| Lake Shore Limited | New York, NY | 19h | 1 train | 9:45 AM (next day) |
| Capitol Limited | Washington, DC | 17h 45m | 1 train | 8:45 AM (next day) |
| Empire Builder | Seattle, WA | 46h | 1 train | 3:55 PM (two days later) |
| California Zephyr | Emeryville, CA | 51h 20m | 1 train | 2:50 PM (three days later) |
| City of New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 19h 30m | 1 train | 4:00 PM (next day) |
Pro tip: Long-distance trains often run 30 minutes to 2 hours behind schedule. Always build buffer time into your Chicago connections, especially for same-day transfers.
How Much Does Amtrak to Chicago Cost?
Ticket prices depend on three main factors: distance, travel class, and how far ahead you book.
Sample Fares to Chicago (Coach Class)
| From | Distance | Advance Purchase | Last-Minute | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 85 miles | $25-$35 | $45-$60 | $50-$70 |
| Detroit | 279 miles | $35-$55 | $70-$95 | $80-$110 |
| St. Louis | 284 miles | $30-$50 | $65-$85 | $75-$100 |
| New York | 959 miles | $95-$150 | $180-$250 | $200-$280 |
| Washington DC | 764 miles | $85-$140 | $160-$220 | $180-$250 |
| Los Angeles | 2,265 miles | $150-$250 | $280-$400 | $320-$450 |
| San Francisco | 2,438 miles | $160-$270 | $300-$450 | $350-$500 |
Sleeping Car Accommodations
For overnight journeys, private rooms offer comfort and included meals:
- Roomette (2 passengers): $300-$800 additional per room
- Bedroom (2-3 passengers): $600-$1,500 additional per room
- Family Bedroom (2 adults + 2 children): $700-$1,800 additional
Money-saving strategies: Book 2-3 weeks out, travel Tuesday-Thursday, check for AAA/senior/student discounts (10-15% off), or join Amtrak Guest Rewards for points that never expire.
Chicago Union Station: What to Expect When You Arrive
Located at 225 S Canal Street in the West Loop, Chicago Union Station is an architectural masterpiece from 1925 that processes over 120,000 passengers daily.
Station Amenities
Great Hall: The stunning Beaux-Arts waiting room features 115-foot vaulted ceilings and rows of wooden benches. It’s worth arriving early just to admire the space.
Metropolitan Lounge: First Class and Business Class passengers (plus Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus members) enjoy complimentary access to this comfortable lounge with WiFi, snacks, beverages, and private restrooms.
Food Options: The station houses a food court with Chicago favorites like Lou Malnati’s pizza, plus Starbucks, Dunkin’, and grab-and-go options.
Baggage Services: Checked baggage service available for long-distance trains (check bags up to 50 lbs each, 2 free bags per passenger).
Getting Around: The station connects directly to the CTA Blue Line (via Clinton stop) and is steps from multiple bus routes. Metra commuter rail shares the same building.
From the Station to Downtown Chicago
- Walking: 15-20 minutes to the Loop, Millennium Park
- Taxi/Uber: $8-15 to most downtown hotels (5-10 minutes)
- CTA Train: Blue Line or nearby Red/Brown/Orange/Green lines ($2.50)
- Metra: Connects to Chicago suburbs and surrounding counties
Booking Your Amtrak Ticket to Chicago: Step-by-Step
1. Start at Amtrak.com or use the mobile app – The official channels offer the best prices and most flexibility.
2. Enter your origin city and “Chicago, IL (CHI)” – Union Station’s code is CHI.
3. Choose your travel dates – Flexible dates? Use the “Flexible Search” to compare prices across several days.
4. Select your train and class:
- Coach: Reclining seats with outlets, WiFi, and café car access
- Business Class: Available on regional routes; wider seats, free non-alcoholic drinks
- First Class: Only on Acela-type services (not applicable to Chicago routes)
- Sleeper: Private rooms on overnight trains with meals included
5. Add extras if needed:
- Extra baggage ($20 per additional bag)
- Pet travel (small dogs/cats, $26 per pet on select routes)
- Same-day confirmation for flexible travel
6. Review and pay – Look for promo codes. AAA members save 10%.
7. Receive your e-ticket – No need to print; show the barcode on your phone.
What to Know Before Your Train to Chicago
Boarding and Check-In
- Arrive 30-45 minutes early for checked baggage
- Long-distance trains board 20-30 minutes before departure from designated gates
- No TSA-style security – just walk to your platform when boarding is announced
What to Bring Onboard
Carry-on allowance: 2 personal items (25 lbs each) plus 2 carry-on bags (50 lbs each)
Must-haves for long rides:
- Phone charger (every seat has outlets)
- Snacks and water (café car prices run high)
- Entertainment (WiFi can be spotty in rural areas)
- Light blanket or jacket (train AC can be cold)
- Comfort items for overnight trips (eye mask, neck pillow, slippers)
Food and Dining
Regional trains: Café car with sandwiches, snacks, beverages ($3-12)
Long-distance trains: Full dining car with hot meals ($12-25), included with sleeper tickets
Smart move: Pack your own meals for budget travel. Amtrak allows outside food.
Best Routes to Chicago: Scenic Highlights
For Scenery: California Zephyr
The most beautiful train ride in America crosses the Rockies, follows the Colorado River through red rock canyons, and traverses the Sierra Nevada. Budget 3 days but you’ll never forget the views.
For Speed: Hiawatha Service
Milwaukee to Chicago in 90 minutes makes this the quickest option for a weekend city escape. Seven daily departures mean maximum flexibility.
For History: City of New Orleans
Following the Mississippi River corridor, this route inspired the famous folk song and passes through the heart of American music history from the Delta to Chicago’s blues scene.
For Overnight Comfort: Lake Shore Limited
The most direct overnight option from the East Coast arrives in Chicago mid-morning, letting you maximize your first day in the city.
Tips from Regular Chicago Train Travelers
Book the right side (heading west) on the California Zephyr for the best Rocky Mountain views approaching Denver.
Pack layers – Train temperatures vary wildly between cars and seasons.
Download entertainment before boarding – WiFi works in cities but drops in rural stretches.
Arrive a day early for important events – Long-distance trains can run hours late due to freight traffic.
Join Amtrak Guest Rewards before booking – It’s free, and you’ll earn points immediately that can be redeemed for future free travel.
Consider a sleeper for trips over 12 hours – The included meals and private space often justify the upgrade cost.
Check the train’s status before heading to the station – Real-time updates are available on Amtrak.com and the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrive 30 minutes before departure for coach travel, 45 minutes if you’re checking bags. Long-distance trains begin boarding 20-30 minutes before departure time.
Yes. You can bring two carry-on bags (50 lbs each) and two personal items (25 lbs each) at no charge. Long-distance trains also allow two free checked bags (50 lbs each) if you arrive early enough to check them.
Most Amtrak trains offer free WiFi, but the connection quality depends on cell tower coverage along the route. Expect reliable WiFi in urban areas and intermittent service through rural regions—especially on western long-distance routes.
Book 2-3 weeks in advance, travel midweek (Tuesday-Thursday), and use discounts (seniors, students, AAA members save 10%). Regional trains like the Hiawatha from Milwaukee often have tickets under $30 when booked early.
Yes. Regional trains have a café car with snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Long-distance trains include a full-service dining car with hot meals. Sleeper car passengers receive complimentary meals in the dining car.
Small dogs and cats (under 20 lbs combined pet and carrier weight) are allowed on most trains for a $26 fee. Pets must stay in a carrier under your seat for the entire journey. Service animals travel free.
Amtrak doesn’t offer refunds for delays, but you can track your train in real-time on Amtrak.com or the mobile app. If you miss a connection due to an Amtrak delay, they’ll rebook you on the next available train at no charge.
Ticket change policies depend on the fare type. Flexible (“Value” and “Flexible”) tickets can be changed without fees up to departure. Saver fares require a fee to change. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a refund or eCredit (minus any applicable fees).
Planning Your Chicago Visit After Arrival
Once you’ve reached Chicago Union Station, the city unfolds before you:
Within walking distance:
- Willis Tower Skydeck (10 minutes)
- Millennium Park & Cloud Gate “Bean” (20 minutes)
- Art Institute of Chicago (15 minutes)
- Navy Pier (30 minutes via bus/train)
Must-experience Chicago moments:
- Architecture boat tour on the Chicago River
- Deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s
- Blues clubs in Bronzeville
- Shopping on the Magnificent Mile
- Museums galore—from natural history to contemporary art
Chicago’s public transit makes it easy to explore without a car, and the city’s grid layout is remarkably easy to navigate.
Final Thoughts: Why Train Travel to Chicago Makes Sense
Flying might be faster, driving gives you control, but there’s something special about arriving in Chicago by train. You’ll glide past backyards and through small towns, watch America unfold outside your window, and step off the train right in the heart of downtown—no airport shuttles, no parking hassles, no TSA lines.
Whether you’re taking the 90-minute hop from Milwaukee or embarking on a three-day cross-country adventure from California, the journey becomes part of the experience. Chicago Union Station isn’t just your destination—it’s your grand entrance to one of America’s greatest cities.
Ready to book? Head to Amtrak.com to check schedules and fares for your specific travel dates. The rails are calling, and Chicago is waiting.
Have questions about your upcoming Amtrak journey to Chicago? Drop a comment below and I’ll help you plan the perfect train trip!