Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to Columbus on July 8
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	CheapestFastest
	Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Columbus on July 9
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	7h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	Cheapest
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	Fastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	8:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	5h 30m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Columbus on July 10
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	CheapestFastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	6:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	7h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	8:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	5h 30m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Columbus on July 11
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	Cheapest
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	Fastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	8:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	5h 30m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Columbus on July 12
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	5h 30m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	Cheapest
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	Fastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Columbus on July 13
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	7h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	Cheapest
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	Fastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	8:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	5h 30m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Columbus on July 14
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	CheapestFastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2h 50m	5:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	6:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	7h 45m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags
Train	8:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	5h 30m	1:55pm	Columbus Amtrak	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:34 AM CDT.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Columbus

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Columbus. The journey takes about 2 hours 50 minutes, and with fares starting at just $35, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3train per day

2h 50mAverage Duration

198 kmDistance

18kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$83 - $84	Average Duration5h 10m	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$35 - $127	Average Duration2h 50m	CO₂ emissions 18kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4.1/55,839 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.5

Wi‑Fi3.6

Based on 5839 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 $35

US train companies:Amtrak, Amtrak Acela, Brightline

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Columbus, WI 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 Chicago to Columbus?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Columbus start at $35. The average price for this train route is around $69. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Chicago to Columbus?
The average train trip from Chicago to Columbus takes 2h 50m and covers 198 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2h 45m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Columbus route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Columbus?
The earliest train from Chicago to Columbus departs at 6:10am. The latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

07-05

$115

07-06

$115

Today

$115

07-08

$65

07-09

$99

07-10

$79

07-11

$65

07-12

$105

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Columbus, WI was searched and found on Jul 8, 2026 with a price of $65

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

You can expect to pay from $65 to $808 for a train ticket from Chicago to Columbus, WI based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $65 which is on 2026-07-08.

What's the cheapest way to go from Chicago to Columbus, WI?

The Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel time5h 10m	Avg Price$83	Daily Departures7
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time2h 50m	Avg Price$69	Daily Departures3

The best way to travel between Chicago and Columbus, WI is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $69 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $35. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Columbus, WI, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to Columbus, WI in about 2h 50m —that's the fastest way to get there!