How far is Chicago from Alton?

About 242 miles (390 km) separate Chicago and Alton.

Chicago to Alton from $92 | Refundable Tickets

Previously seen trips

One passenger / one way

Departure time: November 10 at 7:10pm
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
Arrival time: November 10 at 11:20pm
Destination city: Alton
Destination location: Alton Station
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: TrainDuration: 4h 10m
Departure time: November 10 at 5:20pm
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
Arrival time: November 10 at 9:36pm
Destination city: Alton
Destination location: Alton Station
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: TrainDuration: 4h 16m
Departure time: November 10 at 1:52pm
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
Arrival time: November 10 at 6:08pm
Destination city: Alton
Destination location: Alton Station
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: TrainDuration: 4h 16m
Departure time: November 10 at 9:50am
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
Arrival time: November 10 at 1:57pm
Destination city: Alton
Destination location: Alton Station
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: TrainDuration: 4h 7m
Departure time: November 10 at 7:15am
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
Arrival time: November 10 at 11:12am
Destination city: Alton
Destination location: Alton Station
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: TrainDuration: 3h 57m

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Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Alton.

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$92 - $92	Average Duration3h 59m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars	FastestMost eco-friendly
Train	Average Price$27 - $233	Average Duration4h 10m	CO₂ emissions 36kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars	Cheapest

Busbud recommends taking the bus from Chicago to Alton

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Alton. The journey takes about 3 hours 59 minutes and with fares starting at just $92, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

3h 59mAverage Duration

$92Cheapest ticket

10kgCO₂ emissions

Bus Chicago to Alton, US: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$92

Average bus trip duration3h 59m

Number of daily buses1

Earliest bus departure7:15am

Distance244 miles (392 km)

Compare bus companies

Amtrak

4/55,412 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5412 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $92

Amtrak Chicago Alton recent customer reviews

The trip went very smooth. Friendly and helpful staff made it a good experience.

Brian N.

July 29, 2025

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Tornado Bus, Los Limousines, Valley Transit, Tufesa, Wanda Coach

Chicago to Alton Bus

Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from Chicago to Alton.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from Chicago to Alton.

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses traveling from Chicago to Alton, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Frequently asked questions for your trip Chicago - Alton, US

How far is Chicago from Alton?

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from Chicago to Alton but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you're bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from Chicago to Alton.

Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Not to mention that buses will allow you to discover scenic gems from Chicago to Alton that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from Chicago to Alton.

Did you know?

9.2% of ground transportation in Europe is done by bus versus 7.4% by train.

The bus driver with the longest career in the world drove more than 2,000,000 miles and is a happy World Record holder.

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

Will you be returning to Chicago by bus?

Bus from Alton, US to Chicago

You can also go to Alton, US by train

Train from Chicago to Alton, US

Top traveled bus routes

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Bus Tickets from Chicago to Alton, US