Chicago, IL, USA to Saint Louis, MO, USA from $11: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Chicago to Saint Louis: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$11 by trainBest price
425 kmDistance
4h 7m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Saint Louis with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Traveling From Chicago to Saint Louis
The journey from Chicago's bustling streets to Saint Louis's vibrant cultural scene offers a striking contrast in urban experiences, showcasing everything from skyscrapers to historic archways.
Best Neighbourhoods in Saint Louis
Saint Louis boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm.
The Delmar Loop
• Known for eclectic shops and restaurants.
• Home to live music and art venues.
Soulard
• Famous for its historic architecture and cobblestone streets.
• Hosts the lively Soulard Farmers Market.
Forest Park
• Features museums, a zoo, and beautiful green spaces.
• Ideal for outdoor activities and picnics.
Best Times To Visit Saint Louis's Attractions
Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Saint Louis's top spots.
Gateway Arch
Early mornings or weekday afternoons offer quieter views and less congestion.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Visit during weekday mornings for tranquil strolls amidst the blooms.
City Museum
Weekdays are ideal to explore without the hustle of weekend crowds.
Saint Louis Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Saint Louis experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the most pleasant times to visit. Understanding the weather patterns can help you pack appropriately and plan your activities to enjoy the city to the fullest.
Dining Recommendation in Saint Louis
Don't miss out on trying toasted ravioli, a local specialty that offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes and showcases Saint Louis’s Italian heritage. The warm, inviting atmosphere of a family-owned trattoria provides a distinctive dining experience, setting it apart from the urban dining scenes in Chicago.
Chicago - Saint Louis operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Saint Louis, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Chicago Union Station to St. Louis
Average Duration
5h 6mEstimated price
$11-130Train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukee
Average Duration
1h 29mEstimated price
$352-1309Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus Station
Average Duration
6h 20mEstimated price
$35-85Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway Airport to St. Louis Airport
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
$115-116Website
aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to St. Louis
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$117-1300Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Springfield
Average Duration
1h 2mEstimated price
$117-1300Website
united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to St. Louis
Average Duration
1h 26mEstimated price
$117-1300Website
gojetairlines.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to St. Louis
Average Duration
1h 32mEstimated price
$1302-1303Website
iflysouthern.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to St. Louis via Quincy
Average Duration
3h 5mEstimated price
$1304-1305Chicago to Saint Louis: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and Saint Louis offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Chicago to St. Louis covering 298 miles of diverse Midwest landscapes. Enjoy the journey as you pass through charming small towns and open highways.
💰 Experience budget-friendly travel options with car prices ranging from $50 to $80 for the trip. Plan ahead to optimize cost savings and ensure a smooth drive with necessary rest stops along the way.
Average price
$50 - $80
🚆 Experience a scenic journey from Chicago to Saint Louis by train. The direct route operated by Amtrak offers services five times a day, taking approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes to reach your destination. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as you travel 281 miles between these two iconic Midwestern cities.
🌆 Departing from Chicago Union Station, embark on a comfortable train ride towards St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center. Whether you choose the Lincoln Service or the Missouri River Runner, both routes offer a convenient way to travel between these bustling metropolises. With ticket prices ranging from $11 to $130, there are options to suit every budget for your journey through the heart of the Midwest.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
St. Louis station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the Amtrak route from Chicago to Saint Louis include a café car where you can purchase light meals, snacks, and beverages. The menu often features sandwiches, salads, and a selection of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Be sure to check Amtrak's website for the latest menu offerings and pricing before your trip.
• Amtrak offers two seating options on this route: Coach Class and Business Class. Coach Class provides comfortable seating with ample legroom, while Business Class offers a quieter space with larger seats, additional amenities, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. If you prefer extra comfort and services, consider upgrading to Business Class for a more enjoyable experience.
• The primary operator for the Chicago to Saint Louis route is Amtrak. You can find more information and ticketing at their website: amtrak.com For alternative options, there may be regional bus services, but Amtrak is the most direct train option. Useful links include local transport information at the St. Louis Metro website (slmpd.org) and station maps on Amtrak's site.
🛫 Flying from Chicago to Saint Louis is a quick and convenient option, with direct flights taking just 1 hour and 5 minutes. Southwest Airlines provides flights between Chicago Midway Airport and St. Louis Airport.
🌆 The journey covers a distance that would take around 4 hours and 7 minutes by road, but by choosing to fly, travelers can reach Saint Louis from Chicago in a fraction of that time.
💸 Prices for flights between Saint Louis and Chicago can range from $286 to $1108, offering a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
St. Louis Airport
🚌 If you're traveling from Chicago to Saint Louis by bus, you can catch a direct service departing from Chicago Bus Station and arriving at St Louis Bus Station. The journey typically takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes, with services operating daily.
🛣️ The distance between Chicago and St. Louis is approximately 325 miles, with bus tickets ranging from $35 to $85. Greyhound USA operates the bus services for this route, offering a convenient and affordable transportation option for travelers looking to explore the Midwest.
Departure Point
Chicago Bus Station
Arrival Point
St Louis Bus Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to Saint Louis.
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The cheapest way to travel from Chicago to St. Louis is by train. Amtrak's Lincoln Service offers fares ranging from $11 to $130, depending on the time and class of service chosen. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to Saint Louis is by plane. This option allows you to reach your destination in approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes. Flight tickets can range from $80 to $480 depending on the airline and time of booking.
The distance from Chicago to Saint Louis is approximately 425 km. If you prefer to drive, the road distance is slightly longer at 480 km. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours by car depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can also take a flight which usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours including the time spent at the airport.
To travel from Chicago to St. Louis without a car, the most convenient option is to take a train. Amtrak offers several daily departures from Chicago Union Station to St. Louis Gateway Station. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes, and ticket prices range from $11 to $130, depending on the class and availability.
The train journey from Chicago to Saint Louis takes approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes, including transfers.
The most affordable option to travel from Chicago to St. Louis is by train, with prices ranging from $11 to $130. The train journey takes approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes. If you prefer a longer travel time of 6 hours and 15 minutes, you can take a bus for a cost of $30 to $85. Alternatively, flying is the quickest option, with a flight duration of around 3 hours and 23 minutes. However, the prices for flights range from $80 to $480.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Saint Louis. With over 326 hotels in the area, you will have a wide range of choices. Prices for hotels start at $41 per night, making it possible to find a suitable option for every budget.
Yes, you can drive from Chicago to Saint Louis. The driving distance is approximately 480 km, and it takes about 4 hours and 58 minutes to make the journey. You can follow the I-55 S route, which is the most direct and commonly used route for this trip.
Yes, there is a direct bus between Chicago and Saint Louis. The bus departs from Chicago Bus Station and arrives at St Louis Bus Station. The bus service operates once daily, every day, and the journey takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.
To catch the bus from Chicago to Saint Louis you can go to the Chicago Bus Station. Greyhound USA operates bus services from this station. It is recommended to check the Greyhound USA website or contact their customer support for the most up-to-date information on bus schedules and ticket availability.
The bus from Chicago to Saint Louis arrives at the St Louis Bus Station. The Greyhound USA bus service operates this route and it is a convenient and affordable option for travelers. The bus station is located in downtown St. Louis, making it easily accessible for onward travel or exploring the city.
To get to Saint Louis from Chicago Midway Airport, you have a few options. The most convenient and fastest way is to take a flight, which typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Several airlines offer direct flights between the two cities. If you prefer a more economical option, you can also take a bus, which takes approximately 4-6 hours, or drive your own car, which takes around 4-5 hours depending on traffic.
Southwest Airlines is the main airline that operates flights between Chicago and Saint Louis. They offer multiple daily flights from Chicago Midway Airport to St. Louis Airport. Other airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines also offer flights on this route, but Southwest Airlines is often the most popular and cost-effective option.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to Saint Louis is by plane. There are direct flights available from Chicago Midway Airport to Saint Louis Airport, with a flight duration of about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Southwest Airlines is one of the carriers that operates this route. Prices for flights between Chicago and Saint Louis can range from $80 to $478.
The flight from Chicago to Saint Louis typically takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Trains from Chicago to Saint Louis arrive at the St. Louis station. This is the main train station in the city and is conveniently located downtown. It is a well-maintained station with various amenities such as restrooms, waiting areas, and ticketing services available for passengers. The station is easily accessible and is a convenient starting point for exploring the city of St. Louis.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago and Saint Louis. The train departs from Chicago Union Station and arrives at St. Louis. The service operates five times a day, every day. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes.
To catch the train from Chicago to Saint Louis you need to go to Chicago Union Station. This is the main train station in Chicago and is conveniently located in the downtown area. Amtrak operates train services between these two cities, and their trains depart from Chicago Union Station.
The cost of a flight from Chicago to Saint Louis can range from $80 to $478.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Saint Louis can range from $11 to $130 depending on factors such as the class of travel and how far in advance the ticket is purchased.
The cost of a bus ticket from Chicago to Saint Louis ranges from $30 to $85. Various bus companies operate on this route, offering different fares and amenities. It's recommended to book your ticket in advance to secure the best price and availability. The duration of the bus journey is around 5-7 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.
The cost of driving from Chicago to Saint Louis can range from $50 to $80, depending on factors such as the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and current gas prices. This estimate accounts for the cost of gas for the approximately 300-mile journey.
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