Amtrak in Illinois: Routes, Stations, & Tips

Traveling with Amtrak in Illinois is a fantastic way to explore the state or to begin or conclude your journey across the U.S. Amtrak makes both options easier. With a combination of short regional routes and stunning cross-country journeys, there is something for every traveler. Whether you’re planning a quick trip from Chicago to Springfield or preparing for a scenic ride to California, this guide has everything you need to get started.

Chicago Union Station has been the starting point and destination for most of my Amtrak adventures, and a convenient transfer point between trains and flights. To me, it’s more than just a train station; it’s a familiar gateway to the rest of the country.

From this busy hub, eight long-distance Amtrak trains depart Chicago, along with several regional routes serving Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Whether you are a new rider or a returning fan of train travel, you are in the perfect place to learn how to make the most of Amtrak services in Illinois.

Illinois is the Midwest Amtrak Rail Hub

While Illinois is the Midwest’s Amtrak hub, Chicago Union Station is its heart.

Chicago Union Station is one of Amtrak’s busiest and most important hubs. As mentioned in the introduction, out of the fourteen long-distance trains, eight either begin or conclude their journeys here, in addition to several state-supported routes. The station serves as a gateway to various destinations throughout Illinois and the United States. For travelers arriving from other states or countries, connecting to Amtrak services in Chicago is a convenient option.

Getting to Chicago Union Station

You can fly into Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW), both of which offer simple transit connections to Union Station.

Additionally, you can fly into Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and take the Hiawatha and Borealis services that go directly to Chicago. The Amtrak station at the Milwaukee Airport is MKA.

If you need to fly in or out, I have a guide to help you get from the airports to Chicago Union Station.

There is a bus station a few blocks away.

Several Metra routes serve Chicago Union Station, and Metra also serves nearby stations. Additionally, multiple CTA “L” lines, including the Blue, Purple, Brown, and Orange lines, are conveniently located nearby. There are also several CTA Bus stops in the area, including a bus transfer station on campus.

Regional Routes: Amtrak in Illinois

Amtrak’s Illinois routes are supported through collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation and other state transportation departments, making them ideal for short and mid-range travel.

These trains make travel within Illinois and to destinations outside the state easy.

Borealis (Chicago – St. Paul)

The Borealis is a new service on the Midwest rail network that provides daily connections between Chicago, Glenview, Sturtevant, and Milwaukee. It continues to St. Paul, MN, with several intermediate stops along the route. In Illinois, the train stops in Glenview.

Carl Sandburg & Illinois Zephyr (Chicago – Quincy)

A scenic ride through western Illinois with stops in Galesburg and Macomb. It’s great for experiencing small-town charm and rail history. If you’re interested in rail history, a museum is located next to the Galesburg station and is also a great place to watch BNSF trains pass by.

Hiawatha Service (Chicago – Milwaukee)

Although it’s a cross-state route into Wisconsin, the Hiawatha is a vital connection from Chicago’s Union Station. It’s a preferred choice for both business travelers and day-trippers. In addition to Chicago, this train stops in Glenview, IL.

Illini & Saluki (Chicago – Carbondale)

Running along the eastern half of the state, these trains serve Champaign-Urbana, Mattoon, and Carbondale—a favorite for college students and southern Illinois explorers.

Lincoln Service (Chicago – St. Louis)

Train route connecting northern to southern Illinois with stops in Joliet, Bloomington-Normal, Springfield, and Alton. Great for quick getaways or visits to the state capital. When you arrive in St. Louis, you are in the heart of the city, so you can get to where you want to go quickly. If you want to go past St Louis, check out the next train.

Missouri River Runner (Chicago – St. Louis – Kansas City via Lincoln Service connection)

While the River Runner primarily operates in Missouri, it connects with the Lincoln Service in St. Louis, allowing for a seamless transfer and a ride from Chicago to Kansas City. There is one combined Lincoln Service/Missouri River Runner train.

If you’re interested in exploring other Midwest destinations, here is a list of all Amtrak trains serving the Midwest, including trains to Michigan. Please note that not all trains serving the Midwest stop in Chicago.

Long-Distance Routes: Amtrak in Illinois

Are you planning a longer journey? Instead of seeing the USA in your Chevrolet, Amtrak is asking you to ride!

These trains operate routes beyond Illinois, offering both coach and sleeper accommodations. Each train features a café car and meal service for sleeping-car passengers, with some dining cars available to coach passengers as well.

All of these trains start or end in Chicago. The southern and western routes allow you to board outside of Chicago, but if you are traveling east of Illinois, you must start or transfer in Chicago.

Be sure to click the links to learn more about each train and its schedule.

California Zephyr (Chicago – San Francisco Bay Area)

Known as one of the most scenic train routes in the United States, the California Zephyr passes through Illinois with stops at Naperville, Galesburg, and Princeton.

From there, it continues westward, crossing the Mississippi River and journeying through the vast landscapes of Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and into California. Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada en route to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Cardinal (Chicago – New York City)

The Cardinal operates three times a week, providing a picturesque journey from Chicago to the East Coast. This route winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering unique and rugged scenery along the way. To me, this train is a hidden gem of the Amtrak system.

This train features both coach and sleeper accommodations, along with a combined café and dining car, making it a comfortable choice for travelers who enjoy scenic routes and less frequent service. Chicago is the only stop in Illinois on this train.

City of New Orleans (Chicago – New Orleans)

This historic route passes through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, with stops in Illinois cities including Homewood, Kankakee, Champaign-Urbana, and Carbondale.

New Orleans is famous for its Southern charm, rich jazz heritage, and vibrant culture. This makes it an excellent option for travelers looking to explore the southern United States by train.

Onboard this Superliner train, passengers can choose from coach and sleeper cars, as well as a café car that also serves as a dining car.

Empire Builder (Chicago – Seattle/Portland)

The Empire Builder is a legendary train known for its journeys through the northern United States. I can’t think of a better way to travel to the Northwest.

The Builder makes one stop in Illinois at Glenview shortly after departing Chicago, then continues Northwest through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and into the Pacific Northwest. This route provides stunning views of Glacier National Park and the Cascade Mountains.

Onboard amenities include Superliner double-deck coaches, sleeping accommodations, dining and café cars, and panoramic observation cars.

Floridian (Chicago – Washington, DC – Miami)

This new route combines the Capitol Limited and Silver Star services, offering a direct connection between Chicago and Florida via Washington, D.C. In Illinois, Chicago is the only stop for the Floridian.

The train journey travels through several states, offering stunning mountain views from Chicago to Washington, D.C. As you head south, the scenery changes dramatically.

The train provides both coach and sleeper accommodations, along with a full dining service, making it a convenient way to travel from the Midwest to the Southeast.

Lake Shore Limited (Chicago – New York City/Boston)

Ideal for travelers heading to the Northeast Coast, the Lake Shore Limited departs from Chicago Union Station and connects passengers to major cities such as Cleveland, Buffalo, and Albany, then splits off to New York City or Boston. The route passes through picturesque areas along the southern shore of Lake Erie.

Onboard services include coach seating, sleepers, dining cars, and a café car. Chicago is the only stop in Illinois for this train.

Southwest Chief (Chicago – Los Angeles)

This iconic route appeals to those interested in history and western scenery. In Illinois, it stops at Naperville, Mendota, Princeton, and Galesburg, serving as a gateway to western destinations.

The Southwest Chief travels through Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, passing through spectacular landscapes such as the Grand Canyon and the Southwest’s deserts.

Amenities include coach and sleeper cars, a traditional dining car, and a lounge car for relaxation and leisure.

Texas Eagle (Chicago – San Antonio/Los Angeles)

This train will take you deep into the heart of Texas and along the southern border. Serving central and southern Illinois with stops in Springfield, Carlinville, and Alton, the Texas Eagle travels south to San Antonio. When combined with the Sunset Limited, it offers through service to Los Angeles.

Onboard, passengers can choose between coach and sleeper accommodations, enjoy a variety of dining options, and relax in lounge cars. Between Chicago and San Antonio, the train offers flexible dining, while traditional dining is available between San Antonio and Los Angeles.

Got it! You want individual write-ups for each regional train, similar to the ones you’ve provided for the long-distance trains. Let me draft those for you:

What to Expect Onboard Amtrak in Illinois

Whether you’re riding a short route to Springfield or heading to Seattle, here’s what you can expect on board Illinois Amtrak trains.

Onboard Amtrak in Illinois Regional Trains (State-Supported Routes)

Most Illinois regional trains are coach-focused and ideal for short and mid-range travel. Here’s what they typically include:

• Coach seating is available on all trains
• Business class is available on select routes
• Café car offering snacks and drinks, and grab-and-go meals. There is no café service on the Hiawatha
• Free Wi-Fi on most routes
• No checked baggage (carry-on only)

These trains include the Lincoln Service, Illini/Saluki, Hiawatha, Carl Sandburg/Illinois Zephyr, and others.

Onboard Long-Distance Trains

Planning a more extended trip? Long-distance trains offer additional comfort and amenities:

• Coach seating and optional sleeper accommodations (Superliner or Viewliner rooms)
• Dining car with traditional or flex dining, depending on the route
• Café car for all passengers
• Checked baggage service (but both your origin and destination must offer it)
• Limited Wi-Fi availability only on Viewliner trains

These include the California Zephyr, Texas Eagle, and Empire Builder, among others.

Want help packing or prepping for your station experience? Check out my Amtrak Boarding Guide and Luggage Guide for helpful tips that make your travel experience smoother.

Tips for First-Time Illinois Train Travelers

• Arrive Early: Union Station can be pretty busy, so plan to arrive early.
  • Across Illinois and the Amtrak system, stations vary in types: some are staffed, others are unstaffed, and some are merely platforms. It’s essential to determine the kind of station you have to set appropriate expectations.
• Bring Snacks: Having a café car is excellent, but it’s also helpful to have your favorite snacks and drinks on hand. You never know when you might want a snack or something to drink, and if you’re like me, it’s often when everything is closed.
• College Town Rush: Watch for busy trains around school breaks if you’re riding to Champaign and Carbondale.
• Planning Multiple Trips? Consider the Amtrak Rail Pass or Multi-Ride Passes to see if they suit your travel style.

Amtrak Stations in Illinois

Here are the Amtrak stops in Illinois, many of which serve both regional and long-distance trains. These stations can be staffed, unstaffed, or platform-only. Always verify the services offered by clicking on the link to ensure nothing has changed since that page was last updated.

Here’s your list alphabetized by city name:

A

• Alton, IL (ALN) – Staffed station building with waiting room
  • Regional Multimodal Transportation Center, 1 Golf Road, Alton, IL 62002
  • Lincoln Service & Texas Eagle

B

• Bloomington-Normal, IL (BNL) – Staffed station building with waiting room
  • Uptown Station, 11 Uptown Circle, Normal, IL 61761
  • Lincoln Service, Missouri Runner/Lincoln Service, & Texas Eagle

C

• Carbondale, IL (CDL) – Staffed station building with waiting room
  • 401 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901
  • City of New Orleans, Illini, & Saluki
• Carlinville, IL (CRV) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 128 Alton Road, Carlinville, IL 62626-1625
  • Lincoln Service. Missouri Runner/Lincoln Service, & Texas Eagle
• Centralia, IL (CEN) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 110 South Oak St., Centralia, IL 62801-3526
  • City of New Orleans, Illini, & Saluki
• Champaign-Urbana, IL (CHM) – Staffed station building with waiting room
  • 45 East University Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820-4046
  • City of New Orleans, Illini. & Saluki
• Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI) – Staffed station with waiting area
  • 255 South Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60606-5702
  • All Illinois-based trains, and more, start here, including some Metra trains

D

• Du Quoin, IL (DQN) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 20 North Chestnut Street, Du Quoin, IL 62832-1602
  • Illini & Saluki
• Dwight, IL (DWT) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 401 South Columbia Street, Dwight, IL 60420-1321
  • Lincoln Service & Missouri Runner/Lincoln Service

E

• Effingham, IL (EFG) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 401 West National Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401
  • City of New Orleans. Illini, & Saluki

G

• Galesburg, IL (GBB) – Staffed station building with waiting room
  • 225 South Seminary Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
  • Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, California Zephyr, & Southwest Chief
• Gilman, IL (GLM) – Unstaffed platform with shelter
  • 800 US Highway 24 West, Gilman, IL 60938
  • Illini & Saluki

H

• Homewood, IL (HMW) – Staffed station building with waiting room
  • 18015 Park Avenue, Homewood, IL 60430
  • City of New Orleans, Illini, & Saluki

J

• Joliet, IL (JOL) – Staffed station building with waiting room
  • 90 East Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432
  • Lincoln Service, Missouri Runner/Lincoln Service, & Texas Eagle

K

• Kankakee, IL (KKI) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 199 South East Avenue, Kankakee, IL 60901-3834
  • City of New Orleans, Illini, & Saluki
• Kewanee, IL (KEE) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 210 West Third Street, Kewanee, IL 61443
  • Carl Sandburg & Illinois Zephyr

L

• La Grange, IL (LAG) – Unstaffed Station Building (with waiting room)
  • Amtrak/Metra Station, 25 West Burlington Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525
  • Carl Sandburg & Illinois Zephyr
• Lincoln, IL (LCN) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 103 North Chicago Street, Lincoln, IL 62656
  • Lincoln Service. Missouri Runner/Lincoln Service. & Texas Eagle

M

• Macomb, IL – Thomas C. Carper Station (MAC) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 120 East Calhoun Street, Macomb, IL 61455-7321
  • Carl Sandburg & Illinois Zephyr
• Mattoon, IL (MAT) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 1718 Broadway Avenue. Mattoon, IL 61938-3920
  • City of New Orleans. Illini & Saluki
• Mendota, IL (MDT) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 783 Main Street, Mendota, IL 61342
  • Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, & Southwest Chief

N

• Naperville, IL (NPV) – Staffed station building with waiting room
  • Amtrak/Metra Station, 105 E. Fourth Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
  • Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, California Zephyr, & Southwest Chief

P

• Plano, IL (PLO) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 101 West Main Street, Plano, IL 60545
  • Carl Sandburg & Illinois Zephyr
• Pontiac, IL (PON) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 711 West Water Street, Pontiac, IL 61764
  • Lincoln Service, Missouri Runner/Lincoln Service, &Texas Eagle
• Princeton, IL (PCT) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • 107 Bicentennial Drive, Princeton, IL 61356
  • Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, California Zephyr, & Southwest Chief

Q

• Quincy, IL (QCY) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
  • North 30th Street and Wisman Lane, Quincy, IL 62301
  • Carl Sandburg & Illinois Zephyr

R

• Rantoul, IL (RTL) – Unstaffed platform with shelter
  • East Grove Ave and North Kentucky Ave., Rantoul, IL 61866
  • Illini & Saluki

S

• Springfield, IL (SPI) – Staffed station building with waiting room
  • 100 North Third Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1106
  • Lincoln Service, Missouri Runner/Lincoln Service, & Texas Eagle
• Summit, IL (SMT) – Unstaffed platform with shelter
  • Archer Avenue and South Center Avenue, Summit, IL 60501
  • Lincoln Service & Missouri Runner/Lincoln Service

Frequently Asked Questions about Amtrak in Illinois

What Amtrak routes run through Illinois?
Illinois is served by multiple state-supported routes (such as the Lincoln Service and Illini) and long-distance trains (such as the California Zephyr and City of New Orleans).

What are the major Amtrak stations in Illinois?
Chicago Union Station is the central hub, but other key stations include Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, Carbondale, Galesburg, and Quincy.

Does Amtrak go to Springfield, Illinois?
Yes, Springfield is served by the Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle, making it easy to reach the state capital by train.

Can I take Amtrak from Chicago to southern Illinois?
Absolutely! The Illini, Saluki, and City of New Orleans all serve southern Illinois cities like Carbondale.

How do I connect to Amtrak from the airport?
You can take the CTA Blue Line from O’Hare or the Orange Line from Midway to downtown Chicago. From Milwaukee Airport, the Hiawatha Service offers direct rail to Union Station.

Find out more about traveling between the airports and Chicago Union Station.

Keep Travels with Kev on Track

In 2026, Travels with Kev turns 10 years old — and I appreciate everyone who has ridden along over the years.

Hop On Board — It’s Free!

Join the Travels with Kev newsletter and get my Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains, packed with:

• Train equipment details
• Dining information
• Route tips
• Helpful travel resources for beginners

You’ll also receive Amtrak news, travel tips, and updates from my latest adventures straight to your inbox.

Want to Support Travels with Kev?

If my guides and tips have helped you plan your travels, you can also support the site through Patreon or my support page. Every bit helps keep new train guides, updates, and travel content rolling down the tracks.

And don’t forget to check out the Travel with Kev Podcast for more train travel stories, tips, and discussions.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re commuting, vacationing, or simply seeking a change of pace, Amtrak in Illinois makes it easy. With iconic routes, charming towns, and a front-row seat to the heart of the Midwest, there’s no better way to ride.