How much is the train ticket from Effingham to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Effingham to Chicago start at $29. The average price for this train route is around $53. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Effingham to Chicago?

The average train trip from Effingham to Chicago takes 4h 5m and covers 317 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 51m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Effingham to Chicago route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 5 trains available per day.

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

The earliest train from Effingham to Chicago departs at 4:57am. The latest train departs at 5:54pm.

Train Effingham to Chicago from $26 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on December 16
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	8h 50m	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	4h 5m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	8h 50m	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on December 17
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
	Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	4h 5m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on December 18
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
	Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	4h 5m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on December 19
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	4h 5m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on December 20
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	16h 35m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	4h 5m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	16h 35m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on December 21
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	8h 50m	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	4h 5m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	8h 50m	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on December 22
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	8h 50m	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	4h 5m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:10am	Effingham, IL	8h 50m	2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 11:42 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Effingham to Chicago

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 4 hours 5 minutes, and with fares starting at just $29, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5train per day

4h 5mAverage Duration

317 kmDistance

29kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$109 - $216	Average Duration3h 25m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$29 - $217	Average Duration4h 5m	CO₂ emissions 29kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,650 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5650 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 $29

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Effingham 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 Effingham to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Effingham to Chicago start at $29. The average price for this train route is around $53. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Effingham to Chicago?
The average train trip from Effingham to Chicago takes 4h 5m and covers 317 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 51m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Effingham to Chicago route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 5 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Effingham to Chicago?
The earliest train from Effingham to Chicago departs at 4:57am. The latest train departs at 5:54pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12-13

$50

12-14

$50

Today

$34

12-16

$85

12-17

$41

12-18

$103

12-19

$418

12-20

$82

The cheapest trip from Effingham to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 15, 2025 with a price of $34

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

You can expect to pay from $34 to $418 for a train ticket from Effingham to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $41 which is on 2025-12-17.

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

The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel time3h 25m	Avg Price$201	Daily Departures1
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time4h 5m	Avg Price$53	Daily Departures5

The best way to travel between Effingham 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 $53 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $29. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Chicago, choose the train, as it will take you from Effingham to Chicago in about 3h 25m —that's the fastest way to get there!