City to city
Chicago to St. Louis by train
Passengers can travel directly between these two midwestern cities on the Amtrak Lincoln Service, a daytime journey that takes about 5 hours 30 minutes.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Service | about 5 hours 30 minutes | Several round trips a day | No | No, direct |
Taking the train from Illinois to Missouri is a practical and comfortable choice. The route connects the busy hub of Chicago with downtown St. Louis. Upgraded track allows trains to reach speeds up to 110 mph on much of the line as of 2026. This corridor is popular with commuters, students, and tourists traveling through the Midwest. You avoid the stress of highway traffic and airport security lines. The service runs entirely during the day, making it easy to plan a morning or afternoon departure. For advice on reserving your seat, read our Amtrak and VIA booking tips.
Your train options
The Lincoln Service provides several round trips a day as of 2026. Every train on this route is direct, so you do not need to change trains. The trip takes about 5 hours 30 minutes from start to finish. Because this is a daytime route, there is no overnight travel on this trip. Passengers can choose between Coach and Business Class seating. Coach provides standard reclining seats with plenty of legroom. Business Class offers a bit more space and is fully refundable if your plans change. Both classes have access to the Café car, where you can purchase snacks and drinks. First time riders might want to review our guide on the first time on Amtrak to understand what to expect on board. Since multiple trains run daily, you can choose a departure that best fits your schedule.
The journey
The train departs Chicago and heads southwest through the suburbs before reaching the open central Illinois prairie. Since the service runs during the day, you will have plenty of daylight to watch the scenery roll by. Between Joliet and Springfield, the tracks closely follow the path of old Route 66. The train calls at several intermediate stops, including Summit, Dwight, Pontiac, Normal, Lincoln, and Carlinville. After leaving Springfield, the route continues south toward Alton. The final stretch from Alton to St. Louis features a crossing over the Mississippi River. As the train approaches the St. Louis Gateway Station, passengers can see views of the Gateway Arch. The landscape is mostly flat agricultural land, punctuated by small towns and historic railroad depots.
The stations
Trains depart from Chicago Union Station, located in the West Loop just west of the Chicago River. The station features the Great Hall, a classic Beaux Arts waiting room opened in 1925. It is a short walk or bus ride from the Loop, with connections to Metra commuter trains and the CTA Blue Line Clinton stop. Premium passengers can use the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. The train arrives at the St. Louis Gateway Station, also known as the Gateway Transportation Center. This downtown facility is shared with Greyhound. From here, passengers can catch the MetroLink light rail to the airport and other parts of the city.
Tips
- Book your tickets early to secure the lowest Coach fares.
- Visit the Café car early in the trip for the best selection of snacks.
- Arrive at Chicago Union Station with enough time to admire the Great Hall.
- Check the MetroLink schedule if you plan to connect to the St. Louis airport.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a direct train from Chicago to St. Louis?
Yes, every train listed on this route is direct. The Amtrak Lincoln Service runs several round trips a day as of 2026, requiring no transfers between Chicago and St. Louis.
Can I sleep on the train from Chicago to St. Louis?
There is no overnight travel on this trip, as the Lincoln Service operates entirely during the daytime. You can nap in your reclining Coach or Business Class seat during the journey, which takes about 5 hours 30 minutes.