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

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Alton is $46. The best way to find train tickets from Chicago to Alton 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 Chicago to Alton?

A train trip between Chicago and Alton is around 4h 10m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 57m. This is the time it takes to travel the 242 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Alton?

The number of trains from Chicago to Alton 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 Chicago to Alton by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Chicago to Alton?

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

Train Chicago to Alton from $24 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on November 19
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:20pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	9:36pm	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	7:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	11:20pm	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	7:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	11:20pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on November 20
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:22pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	8:38pm	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	No tags
Train	4:22pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	8:38pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	5:20pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	9:36pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on November 21
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	Cheapest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	Fastest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	5:20pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	9:36pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on November 22
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	CheapestFastest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	No tags
Train	9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 7m	1:57pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	5:20pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	9:36pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on November 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	11:20pm	Alton Station	CheapestFastest
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	7:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	11:20pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on November 24
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	CheapestFastest
Train	7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 57m	11:12am	Alton Station	No tags
Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	7:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	11:20pm	Alton Station	No tags
Train	7:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	11:20pm	Alton Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Alton on November 25
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	7:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 10m	11:20pm	Alton Station	CheapestFastest
	Train	1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	4h 16m	6:08pm	Alton Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:23 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Alton

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Alton. The journey takes about 3 hours 59 minutes and with fares starting at just $92, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

3h 59mAverage Duration

243 milesDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$92 - $92	Average Duration3h 59m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$27 - $444	Average Duration4h 10m	CO₂ emissions 36kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,593 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5593 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 $27

Amtrak Chicago Alton recent customer reviews

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

Brian N.

July 29, 2025

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Chicago to Alton, US by train

How much does a train ticket from Chicago to Alton cost?
How long is the train trip from Chicago to Alton?
How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Alton?
Which train companies travel from Chicago to Alton?

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11/17

$36

11/18

$29

Today

$36

11/20

$76

11/21

$63

11/22

$87

11/23

$87

11/24

$87

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Alton, US was searched and found on Nov 18, 2025 with a price of $29

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 $29 to $377 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 $63 which is on 2025-11-21.

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 Price$92	Daily Departures1
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time4h 10m	Avg Price$46	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 $46 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $27. 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!