Amtrak's Illinois Zephyr

The Amtrak Illinois Zephyr is a daily train service between Chicago and Quincy, IL, with stops in Galesburg and other intermediate locations. A complementary regional train is the Carl Sandburg, with the long-distance trains Southwest Chief and the California Zephyr covering many but not all of the same stops.

The Illinois Zephyr Numbers

Amtrak’s Eastbound Illinois Zephyr Line is 380, and 383 is the Westbound.

Coach class on the Illinois Zephyr

The Illinois Zephyr coach seating features a fold-down tray and seat back pockets.

This train has individual reading lights and 120V grounded (three-prong) electric outlets for convenience. Depending on the car, the outlet is either on the wall or between the seats.

Each coach car has overhead luggage racks and a shelf at one end for your belongings.

Business class

Business class includes extra legroom, a comfortable seat, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages; ask the cafe car attendant for more details.

Additionally, Business Class customers receive a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points. If you are departing from Chicago, Business Class passengers can use the Metropolitan Lounge for a fee.

Wi-fi & Entertainment

Amtrak offers free Wi-Fi on this train. While free, it does have some restrictions, for it can throttle or not allow streaming. You may not be able to download or upload large files.

Amtrak does not offer streaming entertainment, but here are some entertainment ideas for you.

Food on the Illinois Zephyr

On this train, you can buy or bring food in the cafe car, which offers a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages.

You can consume your purchases in the cafe or at your seat.

Conductors and the cafe car attendant will inform you when it is open and where it is located, typically at one end of the train.

Bringing Food On The Illinois Zephyr

Amtrak allows you to bring food and drink aboard the train, but you can only consume what you obtained at your seat, not in the cafe.

While you can bring alcohol on the train, consuming it is prohibited. If you drink alcohol not bought on the train or cause a disturbance, the train conductors may remove you.

Add on’s

There are a few things you can add to your reservations.

Bikes

Carry-on/Trainside bicycles: You can bring up to 50 lbs. Standard bicycle sizes apply. The maximum tire width is 2″. Check the link for details. Bike service may not be available at all stations.

Pets and service animals

Amtrak allows dogs and cats:

• Up to 20 pounds
  • The combined weight of the pet and carrier.
• These spots may be limited, and paperwork is required.
• You need paperwork before you leave for the station.
• For information on paperwork, rules, and limitations, please refer to Amtra’s pet policy.

If you have a service or comfort animal, read the Amtrak service animal policy before booking for qualifications and booking information.

Golf clubs

You must make reservations to bring golf clubs on the train; you can do so on the app, website, phone, or at staffed stations. For more information, please refer to Amtrak’s golf policy.

Luggage

This train does not offer a checked bag service.

Each passenger may carry on:

• One personal item, up to 25 pounds (12 kg), and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
• Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each

If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size limit for that train is 28 x 22 x 11 inches per piece.

Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.

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Amtrak Illinois Zephyr Schedule

If there are two times, the first is the arrival and the second is the departure; if there is only one, it is a quick stop. Click on the stations to see the services offered at that stop.

The information in these sections is sourced from the official Amtrak website. Always check your online ticket to verify the times before heading on your trip. These timers were last updated in June 2024.

I am including the Carl Sandburg schedule, as they offer complementary services in these areas.

The California Zephyr, Carl Sandburg, and Southwest Chief duplicate some Illinois Zephyr stops.

Printable Amtrak Illinois Zephyr Schedule

Feel free to print out or download this page from Amtrak. The schedule below does not list the last three stations.

Safe Travels,

Kev