How much does a train ticket from Chicago to Ottumwa cost?

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Ottumwa is $73. The best way to find train tickets from Chicago to Ottumwa is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the train trip from Chicago to Ottumwa?

A train trip between Chicago and Ottumwa is around 4h 57m, although the fastest train will take about 4h 57m. This is the time it takes to travel the 253 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Ottumwa?

The number of trains from Chicago to Ottumwa can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Ottumwa by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Chicago to Ottumwa?

When taking the train from Chicago to Ottumwa, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train Chicago to Ottumwa from $39 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to Ottumwa on November 25
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	Cheapest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	Fastest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	No tags
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Ottumwa on November 26
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	Cheapest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	Fastest
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Ottumwa on November 27
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	Cheapest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	Fastest
Train	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	No tags
Train	7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	6:57pm	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 1:32 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Ottumwa

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Ottumwa. The journey takes about 4 hours 57 minutes and with fares starting at just $37, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

4h 57mAverage Duration

254 milesDistance

37kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$135 - $135	Average Duration9h 25m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$37 - $288	Average Duration4h 57m	CO₂ emissions 37kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,607 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5607 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 $37

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Chicago to Ottumwa by train

How much does a train ticket from Chicago to Ottumwa cost?
How long is the train trip from Chicago to Ottumwa?
How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Ottumwa?
Which train companies travel from Chicago to Ottumwa?

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11/22

$62

11/23

$92

Today

$70

11/25

$75

11/26

$129

11/27

$80

11/28

$47

11/29

$102

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Ottumwa was searched and found on Nov 28, 2025 with a price of $47

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

You can expect to pay from $47 to $501 for a train ticket from Chicago to Ottumwa based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $47 which is on 2025-11-28.

What's the cheapest way to go from Chicago to Ottumwa?

The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel Time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel Time9h 25m	Avg Price$135	Daily Departures1
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time4h 57m	Avg Price$73	Daily Departures2

The best way to travel between Chicago and Ottumwa is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $73 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 Ottumwa, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to Ottumwa in about 4h 57m - that's the fastest way to get there!