Traveling through the heart of the Midwest has never been more comfortable or efficient thanks to Amtrak’s Lincoln Service. This popular train route connects two major cities—Chicago, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri—while offering access to many charming towns and college cities along the way.
Whether you’re a daily commuter, a college student heading home for the weekend, or a traveler looking to explore historic sites like Springfield or the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Amtrak Lincoln Service train is a fantastic choice.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Lincoln Service—including route information, station stops, schedule details, ticket pricing, travel tips, and how to book your ticket with ease.
🚆 What is the Amtrak Lincoln Service?
The Lincoln Service is one of Amtrak’s most important regional routes in the Midwest. It’s named after Abraham Lincoln and travels through many cities associated with the 16th President of the United States. Running between Chicago Union Station and St. Louis Gateway Station, this route serves as a vital link for both urban and rural communities.
It’s also a key part of the Illinois High-Speed Rail project, offering increased speed and improved travel times. The trains on this route can reach speeds of up to 110 mph, making it a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative to driving.
🗺️ Route Overview: Where Does the Lincoln Service Go?
The Lincoln Service route is ideal for passengers looking to travel across Illinois quickly, comfortably, and without the hassle of traffic. It includes 11 stops across the state and ends in Missouri.
Major Stations Along the Route:
- Chicago Union Station (IL)
- Summit (IL)
- Joliet (IL)
- Dwight (IL)
- Pontiac (IL)
- Bloomington-Normal (IL)
- Lincoln (IL)
- Springfield (IL)
- Carlinville (IL)
- Alton (IL)
- St. Louis Gateway Station (MO)
Many of these towns, like Bloomington-Normal, are home to universities, while others, like Springfield, are rich in history and government institutions. You can also easily connect to long-distance trains at both the Chicago and St. Louis terminals.
⏰ Lincoln Service Schedule: How Often Does It Run?
The Lincoln Service operates four daily round trips, meaning there are four trains heading southbound to St. Louis and four heading northbound to Chicago every day. Additional service is provided by the Texas Eagle, Amtrak’s long-distance train that also follows this corridor.
Sample Timings:
- Departing Chicago: Trains typically leave in the early morning, midday, afternoon, and evening
- Departing St. Louis: Morning to evening departures are available
Travel Time:
- Total journey takes approximately 5 to 5.5 hours, depending on the number of stops and time of day.
👉 Tip: Always double-check the schedule on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app, as departure times may change due to seasonal adjustments or track work.
💼 Seating Classes and Onboard Amenities
The Lincoln Service trains offer two seating classes—Coach Class and Business Class—and both come with Amtrak’s signature spacious legroom and quiet comfort.
Coach Class Includes:
- Comfortable reclining seats
- Tray tables and footrests
- Power outlets and reading lights
- Free onboard Wi-Fi
- Overhead luggage storage
Business Class Includes:
- All Coach Class amenities plus:
- Extra legroom and wider seats
- Fewer passengers per car for a quieter ride
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
There’s also a Café Car onboard serving snacks, sandwiches, soft drinks, and coffee. It’s perfect for grabbing a bite during your trip.
💲 How Much Does the Lincoln Service Cost?
Amtrak’s pricing system works much like airlines—fares vary depending on when you book, demand, and availability. Prices are typically lower when you book early.
Sample Fares (One-Way Coach Class):
- Chicago to Bloomington-Normal: $17–$28
- Chicago to Springfield: $20–$35
- Chicago to St. Louis: $30–$50
- Springfield to St. Louis: $15–$25
Upgrading to Business Class usually costs an additional $15–$25 per person.
🎟️ Discounts Available For:
- Children ages 2–12 (50% off)
- Seniors 65+
- Military personnel and veterans
- College students with valid ID (Illinois-specific deals may apply)
- AAA members
🛒 How to Book Your Ticket
Booking a ticket for the Amtrak Lincoln Service is simple. You can purchase your ticket online, through the mobile app, at a station, or even over the phone.
Booking Options:
- Website: www.amtrak.com
- Mobile App: Download for Android or iOS
- Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL
- Station: Ticket counters and self-service kiosks
🎫 E-tickets are available and can be scanned directly from your phone, so there’s no need to print.
🔁 Connections to Other Amtrak Trains
Both Chicago and St. Louis are major Amtrak hubs. You can easily continue your journey on long-distance or regional trains:
- From Chicago Union Station:
- California Zephyr (to Denver & San Francisco)
- Empire Builder (to Seattle & Portland)
- Lake Shore Limited (to New York/Boston)
- Hiawatha Service (to Milwaukee)
- From St. Louis Gateway Station:
- Texas Eagle (to Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Los Angeles)
These options make the Lincoln Service a great first leg of a longer Amtrak adventure.
🧳 Travel Tips for Lincoln Service Riders
To ensure a smooth trip, here are a few helpful tips:
- Arrive Early: Be at the station at least 30–45 minutes before departure
- Pack Smart: Carry-on limit is 2 personal items (25 lbs) + 2 bags (50 lbs)
- Bring a Charger: Power outlets are available at every seat
- Grab Snacks Early: The café car can get busy during peak hours
- Use the Amtrak App: For live updates, mobile tickets, and alerts
🌟 Why Choose the Lincoln Service?
Here’s why many travelers choose this route over flying or driving:
- ✅ Time-efficient: No long TSA lines or road traffic
- ✅ Comfortable: Spacious seats, quiet cars, and smooth ride
- ✅ Eco-friendly: Lower carbon footprint than flying or driving
- ✅ Reliable: Frequent departures and easy booking
It’s the perfect blend of convenience and classic American rail travel.
🚉 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re commuting for work, visiting family, or planning a short getaway, the Amtrak Lincoln Service offers one of the best ways to travel across Illinois and into Missouri. With comfortable seating, convenient schedules, affordable fares, and scenic Midwestern landscapes, this route is a traveler’s favorite.
Start your rail journey today—book your ticket on Amtrak’s Lincoln Service and discover how enjoyable train travel can be.