The Amtrak Lincoln Service will take you from Chicago to St. Louis. This train ride is only one hour longer than driving. The train schedule is set up so you can do a day trip. You will stop at the same stations as the Texas Eagle, which you can ride back if you’d like. The Texas Eagle provides a few more amenities like upper and lower level seating, a dining car and luggage storage but does not have wifi.
The Lincoln Service will take you from Chicago to St. Louis via Summit, Joliet, Dwight, Pontiac, Bloomington-Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville and Alton.
Contents
Train Info
 | Wifi | Yes |
 | Observation Car | No |
 | Dining Car | No |
 | Cafe | Yes |
 | Distance | 310 Miles |
 | Time | 5 Hours |
Ticket Options
On the Lincoln Service you can purchase tickets in these categories (sample summer fares for 2 people):
- Coach ($55)
- Business ($104)
Scenic Views
The Lincoln Service route is part of the Amtrak Illinois Service with the Illini, Carl Sandburg and Saluki. This train is mainly used as a commuter train. You will mainly enjoy the city views contrasted with the rural views.
Major Stations
The Amtrak Lincoln Service notable and major stations are Chicago, Summit, Joliet, Dwight, Pontiac, Bloomington-Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville, Alton and St. Louis.
States Visited
The Amtrak Lincoln Service only travels through Illinois until you arrive into St. Louis, Missouri.
Station Reviews
The Lincoln Service has terminus stations of Chicago on one end and St. Louis on the other. Chicago Union Station is a tourist attraction as well as a very busy inter modal stations. 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. The Gateway Transportation Center in St. Louis is a state of the art intermodal facility that services Amtrak, light rail and inter city local buses. It has a lot to offer as well, with plenty of restaurants, baggage service and Metropolitan Lounge.
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.
Gateway Transportation Center – City of St. Louis
The Gateway Transportation Center in St. Louis is a state of the art intermodal facility that services Amtrak, light rail and inter city local buses. It opened in 2008 after much fanfare. It has a Metropolitan Lounge as well as restaurants and many other services. You can check your baggage here free of charge.
If you want to be in the heart of the action in downtown St. Louis check out Live! By Lowes Hotels. It is perfectly situated near all the major attractions. You will need to take a cab from the Amtrak station though.
Trip Planning
The Lincoln Service 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.
