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

The average train ticket price from Effingham to Chicago is $38. The best way to find train tickets from Effingham to Chicago 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 Effingham to Chicago?

A train trip between Effingham and Chicago is around 4h 18m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 51m. This is the time it takes to travel the 196 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Effingham and Chicago?

The number of trains from Effingham to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Effingham to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Effingham to Chicago?

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

What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Once in Chicago, you can explore the city. The top sights and things to do are Museum of Contemporary Art, Willis Tower (Sears Tower), Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo.

Train Effingham to Chicago from $20 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on November 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	16h 48m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on November 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	16h 48m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on November 19
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	8h 3m	1:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	9:09am	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	1:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	8h 3m	1:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on November 20
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on November 21
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	9:09am	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	1:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
	Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on November 22
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest

Next departures for Effingham to Chicago on November 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	16h 48m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	4h 18m	9:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	5:54pm	Effingham, IL	3h 51m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	4:57am	Effingham, IL	16h 48m	9:45pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:53 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Effingham to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 3 hours 25 minutes and with fares starting at just $77, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

3h 25mAverage Duration

192 milesDistance

8kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$77 - $122	Average Duration3h 25m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$20 - $193	Average Duration4h 18m	CO₂ emissions 29kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,589 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5589 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 $20

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Effingham to Chicago by train

How much does a train ticket from Effingham to Chicago cost?
How long is the train trip from Effingham to Chicago?
How many daily trains are there between Effingham and Chicago?
Which train companies travel from Effingham to Chicago?
What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11/14

$52

11/15

$24

Today

$43

11/17

$29

11/18

$29

11/19

$51

11/20

$185

11/21

$73

The cheapest trip from Effingham to Chicago was searched and found on Nov 15, 2025 with a price of $24

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 $24 to $209 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 $29 which is on 2025-11-17.

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$122	Daily Departures1
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time4h 18m	Avg Price$38	Daily Departures4

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 $38 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $20. 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!