How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Alton?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Alton start at $37. The average price for this train route is around $65. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Chicago to Alton?

The average train trip from Chicago to Alton takes 4h 10m and covers 392 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 57m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Alton route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 4 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Alton?

The earliest train from Chicago to Alton departs at 7:15am. The latest train departs at 7:10pm.

Train Chicago to Alton from $34 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on December 13
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:20pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	9:36pm	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on December 14
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	11:20pm	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on December 15
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	11:20pm	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on December 16
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	CheapestFastest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on December 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	CheapestFastest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on December 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	CheapestFastest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:47 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Alton

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Alton. The journey takes about 3 hours 59 minutes, and with fares starting at just $129, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

3h 59mAverage Duration

392 kmDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$129 - $129	Average Duration3h 59m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$37 - $425	Average Duration4h 10m	CO₂ emissions 36kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,639 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5639 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $37

Amtrak Chicago Alton recent customer reviews

The trip went very smooth. Friendly and helpful staff made it a good experience.

Brian N.

July 29, 2025

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Alton, US by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Alton?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Alton start at $37. The average price for this train route is around $65. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Chicago to Alton?
The average train trip from Chicago to Alton takes 4h 10m and covers 392 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 57m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Alton route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 4 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Alton?
The earliest train from Chicago to Alton departs at 7:15am. The latest train departs at 7:10pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

12-10

$51

12-11

$51

Today

$74

12-13

$74

12-14

$74

12-15

$51

12-16

$51

12-17

$51

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Alton, US was searched and found on Dec 10, 2025 with a price of $51

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to Alton, US, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $51 to $548 for a train ticket from Chicago to Alton, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $51 which is on 2025-12-15.

What's the cheapest way to go from Chicago to Alton, US?

The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel time3h 59m	Avg Price$129	Daily Departures1
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time4h 10m	Avg Price$65	Daily Departures4

The best way to travel between Chicago and Alton, US is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $65 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $37. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Alton, US, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to Alton, US in about 3h 59m —that's the fastest way to get there!