How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Ottumwa?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Ottumwa start from R 626. The average price for this train route is around R 1 249. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Ottumwa?

The average train journey time from Chicago to Ottumwa is 4h 57m, covering a distance of 410 km. The quickest train can get you there in 4h 57m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Ottumwa route?

Several major train operators run on this route, with 2 trains available per day.

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

The earliest train from Chicago to Ottumwa departs at 07:40. And the latest train departs at 14:00.

Train Chicago to Ottumwa from R 671 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from Chicago to Ottumwa on 17 December
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	CheapestFastest
	Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Ottumwa on 18 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Cheapest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Fastest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Ottumwa on 19 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Cheapest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Fastest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Ottumwa on 20 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Cheapest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Fastest
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Ottumwa on 21 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Cheapest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Fastest
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Ottumwa on 22 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Cheapest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Fastest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Ottumwa on 23 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Cheapest
Train	14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 57m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	Fastest
Train	07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	11h 17m	18:57	Ottumwa Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 3:49 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Chicago to Ottumwa

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Ottumwa. The journey takes about 4 hours 57 minutes and with fares starting at just R 626, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

4h 57mAverage duration

410 kmDistance

37kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 2 315 - R 2 315	Average duration9h 25m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 626 - R 4 397	Average duration4h 57m	CO₂ emissions 37kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 652 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5652 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 Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at R 626

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Ottumwa by train

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

How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Ottumwa?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Ottumwa start from R 626. The average price for this train route is around R 1 249. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Ottumwa?
The average train journey time from Chicago to Ottumwa is 4h 57m, covering a distance of 410 km. The quickest train can get you there in 4h 57m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Ottumwa route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 2 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Ottumwa?
The earliest train from Chicago to Ottumwa departs at 07:40. And the latest train departs at 14:00.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

15/12

R 946

16/12

R 740

Today

R 843

18/12

R 1 204

19/12

R 1 375

20/12

R 1 754

21/12

R 1 582

22/12

R 1 582

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Ottumwa was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 740

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 R 740 to R 7 356 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 R 1 204, which is on 2025-12-18.

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 priceR 2 315	Daily departures1
Vehicle typeTrain	Travel time4h 57m	Avg priceR 1 249	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 R 1 249 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 626. 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!