The Amtrak Illinois Zephyr will take you from Chicago to Quincy. This particular route is the same as the Carl Sandburg route. You will be treated to beautiful views as you depart the Chicago station and head into the fields of rural Illinois.
The Illinois Zephyr will take you from Chicago to Quincy via La Grange, Naperville, Plano, Mendota, Princeton, Kewanee, Galesburg and Macomb.
Contents
Train Info
 | Wifi | Yes |
 | Observation Car | No |
 | Dining Car | No |
 | Cafe | Yes |
 | Distance | 258 Miles |
 | Time | 4 Hours |
Ticket Options
On the Illinois Zephyr you can purchase tickets in these categories (sample summer fares for 2 people):
- Coach ($60)
- Business ($110)
Scenic Views
The Illinois Zephyr train route you will experience a busy commercial center that serves the residents of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. You will enjoy the city views as you leave Chicago and the beauty and peace of the farmlands as you make your way to Quincy.
Major Stations
The Amtrak Illinois Zephyr’s notable and major stations are Chicago, La Grange, Naperville, Plano, Mendota, Princeton, Kewanee, Galesburg, Macomb and Quincy.
States Visited
The Amtrak Illinois Zephyr only travels through the state of Illinois.
Station Reviews
The Illinois Zephyr has terminus stations of Chicago on one end and Quincy on the other. Chicago Union Station is a tourist attraction as well as a very busy inter modal station. You will want to arrive a bit early to tour the station. There are plenty of options for food and shops if you need anything while you are waiting. It also has a very nice Metropolitan Lounge as well as free baggage check. Quincy Station has very few services available and does not have baggage check.
Chicago Union Station
Union Station in Chicago is perhaps the finest Amtrak station in the country. It offers easy access in the heart of Downtown Chicago and features the best Metropolitan Lounge you will find. There are plenty of fast food restaurants within the station where you can get food to bring back to the new 2 level Metropolitan Lounge. The entire station has a nice decor that makes you feel like you are about to take a special trip.
If you’d like to stay close to Union Station before or after your visit we recommend the Hyatt Place Chicago Downtown – The Loop, which is about a 5 minute walk from the station.
Quincy Station
Quincy Station is a small station and does not have a lot to offer. It is a small waiting area with a few services. You can not check your bags at this station so be prepared to bring the bags on board.
Trip Planning
The Illinois Zephyr can be paired with several other trains for a longer vacation. You can jump on any train leaving Chicago, of which some of our favorites are the Lake Shore Limited and the Cardinal.
Booking Tickets
Tickets for Amtrak can be booked at Amtrak.com or by using their app on your phone. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
