The Midwest has more than 15 Amtrak routes, plus multiple commuter lines operated by other rail services. Chicago is the region’s major hub for long-distance trains, and several states (including Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Missouri) have frequent regional rail service.
Explore the full list of Midwest train routes below, and view the 10 best Midwest Amtrak trips for travel ideas.
Note that the Census Bureau definition of Midwest states was used: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
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Midwest Routes
Travel Times
| Trip | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Chicago-Milwaukee | 1.5 hours |
| Chicago-Kenosha | 1.75 hours |
| St. Louis-Jefferson City | 2.5 hours |
| Chicago-Springfield | 3 hours |
| Chicago-St. Louis | 5 hours |
| Chicago-Indianapolis | 5 hours |
| Chicago-Detroit | 5.5 hours |
| Chicago-Cleveland | 6-7 hours |
| Chicago-Kansas City | 7.5 hours |
| Chicago-Minneapolis/St. Paul | 7.5-8 hours |
| Chicago-Omaha | 9 hours |
Midwest Train Travel FAQ
What are the main Amtrak routes in the Midwest?
The Empire Builder, California Zephyr, and Southwest Chief and the popular long-distance routes that travel between Chicago and the West Coast. The Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Floridian, Lake Shore Limited, and Texas Eagle are other long-distance routes, plus there are several regional routes that travel in Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri. The Hiawatha is one of the main short routes with service between Chicago and Milwaukee.
Which Midwest Amtrak route is the most scenic?
The Empire Builder has the most scenic views of the Midwest on eastbound trains, followed by the Missouri River Runner for river scenery. The most scenic overall is the California Zephyr, which departs from Chicago and travels through the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada (the best scenery is west of Denver).
What is the most reliable Amtrak route in the Midwest?
Short-distance, state-supported routes such as the Hiawatha (Chicago–Milwaukee) and Lincoln Service (Chicago–St. Louis) tend to be the most reliable.
Do Midwest Amtrak trains have Wi-Fi and outlets?
Most regional routes have Wi-Fi and outlets. Long-distance routes that travel west usually have outlets but no Wi-Fi.
Are Midwest Amtrak trains usually on time?
Short-distance routes are typically more punctual. Long-distance trains face more delays due to freight traffic, weather, and single-track segments.
What small towns in the Midwest are great to visit by train?
Walkable small towns and small cities that are great to visit by train include Holland (MI), Galesburg (IL), Hermann (MO), Wisconsin Dells (WI), Springfield (IL), and New Buffalo (MI).
What Midwest train routes offer access to national parks?
- The Empire Builder provides easy access to Glacier National Park. There are also guided trips to Mt. Rainier National Park from Seattle.
- The Southwest Chief can take you to the Grand Canyon via Flagstaff.
- The California Zephyr stops in Denver, which has guided tours and car rentals for visiting Rocky Mountains National Park.
More Information
- 10 best Midwest Amtrak trips
- Best Amtrak trips from Chicago
- Best Amtrak trips from Michigan
- Best Amtrak trips from Indianapolis
- Best Amtrak trips from Toledo
- Best Amtrak trips from Kansas City
Last updated November 2025
US Train Travel Guide 