How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Effingham?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Effingham start from R 337. The average price for this train route is around R 526. 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 Effingham?

The average train journey time from Chicago to Effingham is 3h 55m, covering a distance of 317 km. The quickest train can get you there in 3h 41m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Effingham 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 Effingham?

The earliest train from Chicago to Effingham departs at 08:15. And the latest train departs at 20:05.

Train Chicago to Effingham from R 304 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from Chicago to Effingham on 8 April
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 55m	00:00	Effingham, IL	Cheapest
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	Fastest
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 55m	00:00	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	7h 55m	00:00	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	7h 55m	00:00	Effingham, IL	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Effingham on 9 April
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 45m	00:00	Effingham, IL	Cheapest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	Fastest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Effingham on 10 April
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 55m	00:00	Effingham, IL	Cheapest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	Fastest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Effingham on 11 April
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	Cheapest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	Fastest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 55m	00:00	Effingham, IL	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Effingham on 12 April
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 45m	00:00	Effingham, IL	Cheapest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	Fastest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 55m	00:00	Effingham, IL	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Effingham on 15 April
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 45m	00:00	Effingham, IL	Cheapest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	Fastest
Train	08:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 41m	11:56	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 42m	19:47	Effingham, IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 11:55 AM CDT.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Chicago to Effingham

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Effingham. The journey takes about 3 hours 55 minutes and with fares starting at just R 337, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

4train per day

3h 55mAverage duration

317 kmDistance

29kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 676 - R 2 480	Average duration6h 15m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 337 - R 4 168	Average duration3h 55m	CO₂ emissions 29kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 784 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5784 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 337

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Effingham 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 Effingham?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Effingham start from R 337. The average price for this train route is around R 526. 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 Effingham?
The average train journey time from Chicago to Effingham is 3h 55m, covering a distance of 317 km. The quickest train can get you there in 3h 41m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Effingham 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 Effingham?
The earliest train from Chicago to Effingham departs at 08:15. And the latest train departs at 20:05.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

06/04

R 405

07/04

R 590

Today

R 455

09/04

R 455

10/04

R 405

11/04

R 590

12/04

R 708

13/04

No data

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Effingham was searched and found on 06 Apr 2026 with a price of R 405

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

You can expect to pay from R 405 to R 4 007 for a train ticket from Chicago to Effingham based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 405, which is on 2026-04-10.

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

The Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle type	Travel time	Avg price	Daily departures
Vehicle typeBus	Travel time6h 15m	Avg priceR 2 038	Daily departures5
Vehicle typeTrain	Travel time3h 55m	Avg priceR 526	Daily departures4

The best way to travel between Chicago and Effingham 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 526 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 337. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Effingham, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to Effingham in about 3h 55m – that's the fastest way to get there!