Chicago, IL, USA to Ottumwa, IA, USA from $11: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Chicago to Ottumwa: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$11 by trainBest price
412 kmDistance
4h 46m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
Traveling from Chicago's bustling cityscape to Ottumwa's charming small-town ambiance offers you an incredible contrast in experiences, blending urban energy with tranquil Midwestern life.
Best Neighbourhoods in Ottumwa
Ottumwa’s neighborhoods each offer distinct charm and activities for visitors.
Downtown Ottumwa
• Vibrant local shops and restaurants abound.
• Home to cultural events and festivals.
West Hill
• Quaint historic homes with unique architecture.
• Close to parks and recreational activities.
South Ottumwa
• Family-friendly atmosphere with community events.
• Easy access to outdoor spaces and parks.
Best Times To Visit Ottumwa's Attractions
Timing your visits to Ottumwa’s attractions can greatly enhance your experience.
Eisenhower Park
Visit in early morning for peaceful walks and fewer crowds.
Wapello County Historical Museum
Weekdays provide a quieter atmosphere for exploring exhibits.
American Gothic House
Visit during sunset for stunning photo opportunities and fewer visitors.
Ottumwa Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Ottumwa experiences a humid continental climate, bringing hot summers and cold winters, with the most pleasant weather typically occurring from late spring to early fall. Understanding the weather patterns can shape your travel plans, as ideal conditions encourage outdoor activities, while colder months may steer you toward indoor attractions.
Dining Recommendation in Ottumwa
For a genuine taste of local flavor, try the tender pork tenderloin sandwich at The Wooden Nickel, which showcases Ottumwa's simple yet hearty Midwestern cuisine. This dining experience, set in a cozy, inviting atmosphere, contrasts with Chicago's fast-paced culinary scene, offering a delightful focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Chicago - Ottumwa operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa Amtrak Station
Average Duration
4h 53mEstimated price
$11-130Contact phone
1(800) 992-4618Website
http://burlingtontrailways.com
Bus from Chicago, Il to Burlington, Ia
Average Duration
Estimated price
$83-159Bus from Burlington, Ia to Ottumwa
Average Duration
Estimated price
$0-0Website
http://aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM)
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$130-118Website
http://united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM)
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$110-1301Website
http://contouraviation.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Kirksville (IRK)
Average Duration
1h 25mEstimated price
$1302-1303Website
http://iflysouthern.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Burlington (BRL)
Average Duration
1h 40mEstimated price
$70-1304Chicago to Ottumwa: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and Ottumwa 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 the bustling city of Chicago to the charming town of Ottumwa, covering a distance of 321 miles in approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes.
💸 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $55 to $85 for your journey by car, making it an affordable and practical choice for exploring the heartland of the United States.
Average price
$55 - $85
🚆 Traveling from Chicago 🇺🇸 to Ottumwa 🇺🇸 by train is a convenient and scenic journey. The direct train service operated by Amtrak takes approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes to reach Ottumwa from Chicago.
🚉 The train departs from Chicago Union Station and arrives at Ottumwa Amtrak Station, covering a distance of 279 miles. Services run once daily, providing travelers with a reliable transportation option between the two cities.
💸 Ticket prices for the Chicago to Ottumwa train route vary from $11 to $130, offering passengers flexibility in choosing their travel accommodations. For more information and booking details, visit the Amtrak website at https://www.amtrak.com/.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
Ottumwa Amtrak Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your journey from Chicago to Ottumwa on Amtrak typically include a café car where you can purchase snacks and beverages. They offer a selection of sandwiches, salads, soft drinks, and coffee. Be sure to bring additional snacks if you prefer more options, as the variety may be limited during busy travel times.
• Amtrak provides different seating options on this route. You can choose from Standard Coach Class, which is more economical but can be crowded, or Business Class, which offers more generous seating with extra legroom and complimentary snacks and beverages. Travelers on a budget should look at Coach, while those seeking a more comfortable experience may consider Business Class.
• The primary operator for this route is Amtrak (amtrak.com). Depending on your travel preferences, you may want to check out potential local alternatives or other nearby services. Utilize the Amtrak website for specific schedules and ticketing information.
🛫 Enjoy a quick and convenient flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Kirksville Airport, with a duration of just 1 hour and 25 minutes on a direct flight offered by Corporate Flight Management Inc.
Departure Point
Chicago O'Hare Airport
Arrival Point
Kirksville Airport
🛤️ The total journey by bus, including transfers, takes approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes. Burlington Trailways operates the bus services from Chicago to Ottumwa.
💰 The prices for the bus tickets between Ottumwa and Chicago can vary between $83 to $159. Overall, it takes about 4 hours and 53 minutes to travel the 279-mile distance from Chicago to Ottumwa by bus.
Departure Point
Chicago, Il station
Arrival Point
Ottumwa station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to Ottumwa.
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The cheapest way to travel from Chicago to Ottumwa is by train. Amtrak offers train services from Chicago Union Station to Ottumwa with ticket prices ranging from $11 to $130, depending on the class and time of booking. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to secure the best fares.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to Ottumwa is to take a flight from Chicago to Des Moines and then drive from Des Moines to Ottumwa. This option typically takes around 4 hours and 46 minutes. Flights from Chicago to Des Moines can cost between $75 and $240. Once in Des Moines, you can rent a car to drive to Ottumwa, which is approximately a 94-mile journey.
It is approximately 256 miles from Chicago to Ottumwa. The road distance is slightly longer at 320 miles. The distance can be covered by car in around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. By plane, the distance can be covered in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
To travel from Chicago to Ottumwa without a car, your best option is to take a train. Amtrak operates a service called the Carl Sandburg, which takes approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes and costs between $11 and $130 depending on the class and ticket type. The train departs from Chicago Union Station and arrives at the Ottumwa station. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance to secure a seat and get the best fares.
The train journey from Chicago to Ottumwa takes approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes. This duration includes transfers, and there is only one train departing daily from Chicago Union Station to Ottumwa Amtrak Station. It is important to check the train schedule in advance to ensure availability and plan your trip accordingly.
There are several hotels available in Ottumwa for travelers to choose from. Some options include the Hotel Ottumwa, which offers comfortable accommodations starting at $51 per night. Other options include the Quality Inn & Suites, AmericInn by Wyndham Ottumwa, and Super 8 by Wyndham Ottumwa, among others. These hotels provide a range of amenities and varying price points to suit different budgets and preferences. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Yes, you can drive from Chicago to Ottumwa. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 321 miles. It takes around 5 hours and 27 minutes to drive from Chicago to Ottumwa. Keep in mind that travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions and the route you choose to take.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Chicago and Ottumwa. However, you can take a bus from Chicago to Ottumwa with a transfer in Burlington. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes. It is advisable to check the bus schedules and plan your transfer accordingly.
You can catch the bus from Chicago to Ottumwa at the Chicago station. The bus service is operated by Burlington Trailways, and they have regular departures from this location. Make sure to check the bus schedule and arrive at the station in advance to ensure a smooth departure.
The bus from Chicago to Ottumwa arrives at Ottumwa station. The bus service is operated by Burlington Trailways. The Ottumwa station is centrally located in Ottumwa and provides convenient access to various attractions and amenities in the area. Passengers can easily disembark at the station and begin exploring Ottumwa.
Currently, Corporate Flight Management Inc is the only airline that offers flights between Chicago and Ottumwa. They operate flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Kirksville Airport. It is important to check the flight schedule and availability with the airline as it may vary.
The fastest way to get from Chicago to Ottumwa is by plane. The quickest flight is a direct flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Kirksville Airport, which takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. One airline that offers this route is Corporate Flight Management Inc. Flying allows you to reach your destination quickly and comfortably, saving you time compared to other modes of transportation.
The flight from Chicago to Ottumwa is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. The quickest way is through a direct flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Kirksville Airport. It is important to keep in mind that flight durations can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. It is recommended to check for any potential layovers or delays when planning your trip.
Trains from Chicago to Ottumwa arrive at Ottumwa Amtrak Station. The Ottumwa Amtrak Station is located at 210 W Main St, Ottumwa 52501. It is a convenient and centrally located station for travelers arriving from Chicago. Check the Amtrak website for the most up-to-date information on train schedules and arrivals at Ottumwa Amtrak Station.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago and Ottumwa. The train departs from Chicago Union Station and arrives at Ottumwa Amtrak Station. This direct service operates once daily and runs every day. The journey duration is approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes.
To catch the train from Chicago to Ottumwa you will need to go to Chicago Union Station. This is where the train services operated by Amtrak depart from. Make sure to arrive at the station ahead of time to ensure a smooth departure. The station is easily accessible by public transportation or by car, and there are also parking facilities available.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Ottumwa can vary depending on factors such as the type of train and class of service. On average, the prices range from $11 to $130. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best fares. The duration of the train journey is approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes.
The cost of a bus ticket from Chicago to Ottumwa ranges from $83 to $159. However, prices can vary depending on factors such as the time of travel, the bus company, and the type of ticket purchased. It is recommended to check with different bus companies and compare prices to find the best deal for your trip.
The cost of driving from Chicago to Ottumwa typically ranges from $55 to $85, depending on factors such as fuel prices and the type of vehicle you are using. This estimate covers approximately 250 miles of road travel. It's important to consider additional expenses such as tolls and parking fees when calculating the total cost of the trip.
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