How much is the train ticket from Alton to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Alton to Chicago start from $27. The average price for this train route is around $46. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Alton to Chicago?

The average train ride duration from Alton to Chicago is 4h 19m, covering a distance of 243 miles (392 km). The quickest train can get you there in 3h 11m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the Alton to Chicago route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 4 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Alton to Chicago?

The earliest train departs from Alton to Chicago at 5:14am. And the latest train departs at 6:24pm.

Train Alton to Chicago from $24 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Alton to Chicago on December 13
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:24pm	Alton Station	4h 19m	10:43pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	8:56am	Alton Station	4h 48m	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:56am	Alton Station	4h 48m	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	6:24pm	Alton Station	4h 19m	10:43pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Alton to Chicago on December 14
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:21am	Alton Station	4h 19m	11:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:21am	Alton Station	4h 19m	11:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:56am	Alton Station	4h 48m	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Alton to Chicago on December 15
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:24pm	Alton Station	4h 19m	10:43pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:21am	Alton Station	4h 19m	11:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:56am	Alton Station	4h 48m	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Alton to Chicago on December 16
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:24pm	Alton Station	4h 19m	10:43pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:21am	Alton Station	4h 19m	11:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:21am	Alton Station	4h 19m	11:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Alton to Chicago on December 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:24pm	Alton Station	4h 19m	10:43pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:21am	Alton Station	4h 19m	11:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:21am	Alton Station	4h 19m	11:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Alton to Chicago on December 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:21am	Alton Station	4h 19m	11:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:56am	Alton Station	4h 48m	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:56am	Alton Station	4h 48m	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Alton to Chicago on December 19
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	5:14am	Alton Station	4h 11m	9:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	8:56am	Alton Station	4h 48m	1:44pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	3:39pm	Alton Station	4h 21m	8:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	6:24pm	Alton Station	4h 19m	10:43pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 10:03 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Alton to Chicago

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 4 hours 19 minutes and with fares starting at just $27, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

4train per day

4h 19mAverage Duration

243 milesDistance

36kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$92 - $92	Average Duration4h 19m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$27 - $233	Average Duration4h 19m	CO₂ emissions 36kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,638 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5638 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $27

Amtrak Alton Chicago recent customer reviews

On time service

Brian N.

August 7, 2025

It was quiet and there was plenty of leg room

Rosa L.

November 5, 2023

Very good

Bonnie K.

July 5, 2023

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Alton, US to Chicago 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 Alton to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Alton to Chicago start from $27. The average price for this train route is around $46. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Alton to Chicago?
The average train ride duration from Alton to Chicago is 4h 19m, covering a distance of 243 miles (392 km). The quickest train can get you there in 3h 11m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Alton to Chicago route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 4 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Alton to Chicago?
The earliest train departs from Alton to Chicago at 5:14am. And the latest train departs at 6:24pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12/09

$43

12/10

$52

Today

$52

12/12

$87

12/13

$63

12/14

$52

12/15

$36

12/16

$36

The cheapest trip from Alton, US to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 15, 2025 with a price of $36

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

You can expect to pay from $36 to $289 for a train ticket from Alton, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $36 which is on 2025-12-15.

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

The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel Time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel Time4h 19m	Avg Price$92	Daily Departures1
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time4h 19m	Avg Price$46	Daily Departures4

The best way to travel between Alton, US and Chicago is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $46 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $27. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Chicago, choose the train, as it will take you from Alton, US to Chicago in about 4h 19m - that's the fastest way to get there!