The cheapest and fastest trains from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$345
Average price
$354
Fastest journey
18 h 40 m
Average duration
22 h 16 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1475 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL will cost around $354 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $345.
Of the 2 trains that leave Denver, CO for Chicago, IL on Thu, Apr 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 1475 km distance in an average of 22 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 40 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 52 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg6:59 PM25h52Union Station, Denver, CO9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3451One-way1 transfer
6 California Zephyr6:59 PM18h40Union Station, Denver, CO2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3631One-way0 transfers
6 California Zephyr6:59 PM18h40Union Station, Denver, CO2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3631One-way0 transfers
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg6:59 PM25h52Union Station, Denver, CO9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3451One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $84. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $84, and a train costs an average of $115.
Distance: 916 miles (1475 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$220 Average price | $199 Average price | $137 Average price Cheapest |
19h 10m Average total duration 18h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 26h 48m Average total duration 26h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.4 - 8.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare prices and tickets Denver, CO to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Apr 02
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Apr 08
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
Trains from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 18h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $115 (€94) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:40, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 916 miles (1475 km) distance in 18h 40m.
Distance 916 miles (1475 km) |
Average train duration 18h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $115 (€94) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 18h 40m |
First train 7:40 AM |
Last train 7:59 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Denver, CO and Chicago, IL from $32 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Wynkoop Street.
- Snooze an A.M. Eatery
- Mercantile Dining & Provision
- Ultreia
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1.00
- The Crawford Hotel
- The Oxford Hotel
- Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and RTD services
- Hall 2: dining and shopping area
- Hall 3: hotel access
- RTD Light Rail: Lines A, B, G
- Bus: Several RTD bus lines available
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL
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