You can easily head from St. Louis to Chicago by train if you prefer not to drive between the two major Midwestern cities. Amtrak runs frequent trains between the two stations, making it easy for passengers to move comfortably throughout Missouri and Illinois.
The primary service on this corridor is the Lincoln Service, between St. Louis Gateway Station and Chicago Union Station. The route also provides service to several communities in Illinois, serving intermediate destinations as well as passengers directly to Chicago.
If you are traveling to Chicago for a weekend getaway, business trip, family vacation, or a one-way ticket, knowing more about the route, stations, time, onboard amenities, and booking process can make it easier to plan your journey to Chicago.
The Lincoln Service is the primary Amtrak service connecting St. Louis and Chicago. The current timetable indicates that Amtrak currently runs several daily trains between St. Louis Gateway Station and Chicago Union Station.
The journey runs from south to north from St. Louis through Illinois to Chicago. Depending on the specific train, passengers may stop at several communities along the route.
The route connects the following stations and communities, in general:
Not all Lincoln service departures make stops at all stations. The stopping pattern depends on the specific train, so passengers should check the official Amtrak timetable for their selected departure.
Typically, the journey takes about five hours, depending on the times of departure and on-board stops.
According to the published Amtrak Lincoln Service timetable, St. Louis to Chicago trains run between about 4:46 hours and 5:03 hours, depending on the service listed.
Travel times can change, so it is best to check the schedule for your exact travel date before making plans around your arrival time.
The Lincoln Service is the main option for passengers traveling directly between St. Louis and Chicago.
The Texas Eagle also runs between the two cities on its extended route. It goes between Chicago and St. Louis, and then south towards Dallas and San Antonio.
If you are travelling to Chicago from St. Louis, then Lincoln Service is likely the first service to check.
Your journey begins at St. Louis Gateway Station and ends at Chicago Union Station. Both stations provide passengers with access to important facilities and transportation connections.
St. Louis Gateway Station is the primary Amtrak station for passengers departing St. Louis.
Amtrak provides facilities such as ticketing services, restrooms, an ATM, an elevator, an accessible platform, and a waiting room. There are also First Class Lounge facilities and ticketing kiosks at the station.
There is checked baggage service and baggage storage at the station. Amtrak advises passengers to arrive at least 45 minutes before their train is scheduled to depart, and the gates close five minutes before the train departs.
Arriving early gives you enough time to deal with any necessary procedures if you’re traveling with checked baggage or require extra help.
Chicago Union Station is a major transportation hub in Chicago that serves passengers on trains.
The station is available for Amtrak service and connects to other modes of transportation in central Chicago. There is also a Metropolitan Lounge at the station that is operated by Amtrak.
The lounge is open to Amtrak Guest Rewards members, individuals who book a private room, and passengers who have qualified lounge access.
Passengers can use the convenient location of Chicago Union Station to continue travel to hotels, attractions, offices, restaurants, and other parts of the city.
One of the best things about using Amtrak is that you can relax throughout the ride rather than focus on driving.
Amtrak emphasizes its comfortable seating, legroom, power outlets, and Wi-Fi on its Midwest services. Lincoln Service trains are advertised for Wi-Fi coverage.
The Café Service is also available on board for passengers to buy food and beverages on the way.
The specific services offered may vary depending on the train, and passengers are advised to verify the information provided during the booking process.
Business Class is available on Illinois Services, including Lincoln Service.
According to Amtrak, Business Class includes dedicated seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and a 25% point bonus for Amtrak Guest Rewards members.
Business Class may be a good option for those with a business trip in mind or an extended flight where they will be working while on the move.
Several trains run between St. Louis and Chicago, so you can choose which one to take.
The current Amtrak timetable for the Lincoln Service has several departures from St. Louis Gateway Station throughout the day.
There are several different times of departure in the published timetable for the 10 May 2026 date, including the early morning and evening services. In Chicago, trains arrive at different times depending on the train and its stops.
Departure times may be altered. You can view the latest schedule by visiting the Amtrak website prior to your arrival.
This schedule is for information only and should not be considered a guarantee of travel dates.
You can book your train ticket for travel from St. Louis to Chicago via the Amtrak online reservation service.
When searching for your journey, enter St. Louis, MO as the origin and Chicago, IL as the destination. From there, you can choose which travel date you would like to go, and see which times it is available.
Before you book, check the following:
When making a booking via the Amtrak system, a user can also view the current fare and availability of the selected journey.
It is advised that passengers check Amtrak’s current baggage policies before travelling.
St. Louis Gateway Station offers checked baggage service, and there is also a baggage storage service. On the other hand, baggage allowance and services may vary depending on the type of train and ticket used.
For people carrying big luggage, before boarding the train, it is advisable to be aware of the baggage rules to prevent any delays.
The train is a popular ride for passengers who would otherwise drive between these two cities for a variety of reasons.
There are some things you can do to make your train journey more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
To summarise, Amtrak connects two important Midwestern cities between St. Louis and Chicago. The Lincoln Service is the main service on this corridor, making numerous daily stops and departures throughout Missouri and Illinois.
The travel time is approximately five hours, which allows passengers to unwind, get some work done, read, or enjoy the scenery. St. Louis Gateway Station and Chicago Union Station are also great places to start and end your journey in each city.
Seating options include standard seats and Business Class seats, and onboard amenities include Wi-Fi access, comfortable seating, legroom, and Café Service, making travel more convenient.
To get the most accurate information, make sure to always reference the official Amtrak website before booking. Train schedules, rates, services, baggage policies, and station information are subject to change, so it’s best to check the official Amtrak resources before embarking on your St. Louis to Chicago trip.
FAQs
The Amtrak train from St. Louis to Chicago typically takes about five hours, though the duration can vary depending on the specific train and stops along the way.
The Lincoln Service is the primary Amtrak service between St. Louis and Chicago. The Texas Eagle also runs between these cities as part of their extended route.
Amtrak trains to Chicago depart from St. Louis Gateway Station. The station provides facilities for passengers, such as ticketing services, baggage handling, accessible facilities, waiting areas, and other amenities.
Amtrak runs several trains between St. Louis and Chicago daily. The number and departure times are subject to change, and passengers should refer to the current official timetable.
Yes, Lincoln Service trains do have a Business Class. It provides separate seating, free non alcoholic beverages, and extra Amtrak Guest Rewards points for eligible passengers.