How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Alton?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Alton start from R 452. The average price for this train route is around R 793. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Alton route?

Several major train operators run on 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 07:15. And the latest train departs at 19:10.

Train Chicago to Alton from R 417 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from Chicago to Alton on 25 March
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	CheapestFastest
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	No tags
Train	09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	13:57	Alton Station	No tags
Train	14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 20m	18:30	Alton Station	No tags
Train	14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 20m	18:30	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Alton on 26 March
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:20	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	21:36	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	No tags
Train	09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	13:57	Alton Station	No tags
Train	09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	13:57	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Alton on 27 March
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	19:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	23:20	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	No tags
Train	14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 20m	18:30	Alton Station	No tags
Train	14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 20m	18:30	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Alton on 28 March
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	CheapestFastest
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	No tags
Train	09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	13:57	Alton Station	No tags
Train	14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 20m	18:30	Alton Station	No tags
Train	14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 20m	18:30	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Alton on 29 March
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:20	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	21:36	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 20m	18:30	Alton Station	No tags
Train	17:20	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	21:36	Alton Station	No tags
Train	19:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	23:20	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Alton on 30 March
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	19:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	23:20	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12	Alton Station	No tags
Train	09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	13:57	Alton Station	No tags
Train	14:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 20m	18:30	Alton Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 4:19 PM CDT.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Chicago to Alton

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Alton. The journey takes about 4 hours 10 minutes and with fares starting at just R 452, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

4train per day

4h 10mAverage duration

392 kmDistance

36kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 1 583 - R 1 583	Average duration3h 59m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 452 - R 7 685	Average duration4h 10m	CO₂ emissions 36kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 776 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5776 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained about the Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at R 452

Amtrak Chicago Alton recent customer reviews

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

Brian N.

29 July 2025

US train 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 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 Alton?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Alton start from R 452. The average price for this train route is around R 793. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Alton route?
Several major train operators run on 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 07:15. And the latest train departs at 19:10.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

22/03

R 7 404

23/03

R 902

Today

R 625

25/03

R 746

26/03

R 902

27/03

R 746

28/03

R 902

29/03

R 1 318

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Alton, US was searched and found on 24 Mar 2026 with a price of R 625

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 R 625 to R 8 358 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 R 746, which is on 2026-03-25.

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 priceR 1 583	Daily departures1
Vehicle typeTrain	Travel time4h 10m	Avg priceR 793	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 R 793 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 452. 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!