Travel Amtrak

Amtrak provides train service to/from more than 30 cities throughout Illinois.

State employees receive discounted rates from Amtrak between Springfield and Chicago when traveling on official State of Illinois business. The one-way Coach rate is $24.00 (either direction). The State of Illinois rate of $24.00 is available Monday through Friday. When traveling on a weekend, travelers must ask for the lowest available fare. Because Amtrak frequently changes its schedule, exact departure and arrival times for the Springfield/Chicago route are not listed. Currently, Amtrak offers five (5) daily trips, in each direction, between Springfield and Chicago. Complete schedules for all Illinois cities served by Amtrak may be obtained by visiting the Illinois Services Amtrak.com webpage at: www.amtrak.com/routes/illinois-services-train.html.

Amtrak requires passengers to make advance reservations for all trains serving the State of Illinois. To ensure seat availability, employees should call Amtrak prior to the intended date of travel. Reservations must be cancelled at least 8 days prior to the train’s scheduled departure in order to be eligible for a full refund. A 25% cancellation fee is charged if less than 8 days prior to departure. Please go to www.amtrak.com/refund-and-exchange-policy for full details regarding Amtrak’s Refund and Exchange Policy.

Tickets obtained at an Amtrak station must be purchased with a personal debit or credit card, or cash. Amtrak does not accept direct billing methods.

• Amtrak Nationwide: (800) USA-RAIL
  

Employees may obtain additional information on Amtrak locations and routes through the Internet at www.amtrak.com. However, the $24.00 government fare for travel between Springfield and Chicago may not be purchased on the Internet site and is not available on Saturday and Sunday.

** Discounted Fares on Amtrak are offered to State Employees when traveling on Official State of Illinois Business Only.**