How to Get Around Illinois Using Trains, Buses & Cars

Editor: Kirandeep Kaur on May 12,2025

When planning a trip to the Prairie State, consider the transportation in Illinois to help your trip go smoothly and enjoyably. Whether you're driving in or out of Chicago, or heading to the scenic countryside, Illinois offers many travel options to meet everyone's needs. In this guide, we explore the best options for getting around Illinois, including the Illinois public transit systems, Amtrak Illinois routes, and smart car rental tips that will help your trip go smoothly.

Getting Around Illinois Public Transit Systems for Easy Travel

One of the most affordable, cost-effective means of traveling throughout Illinois is taking Illinois public transportation. Illinois has a comprehensive public transit system of buses and trains that reaches cities, towns, and the countryside. If you're staying in urban centers, such as Chicago, its Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers citizens and travelers buses and comprehensive "L" train services, that collectively service hundreds of thousands of commuters on a daily basis.

Outside of Chicago, other cities such as Springfield, Peoria, and Champaign-Urbana have their own local transportation systems. For the budget-conscious traveler or those who want simplicity, public transportation is a good way to travel in Illinois without the hassle of driving or finding a parking spot.

Benefits of using public transit in Illinois:

  • Cost-effective, especially with daily commuting
  • Less traffic delays
  • Good for the environment
  • Convenient schedules and apps for navigating

Exploring the State with Amtrak Illinois

For those of you who want the ease of care-free travel, Amtrak Illinois boasts an extensive set of train routes. Since Amtrak has multiple departures each day, you can travel between important cities like Chicago, Carbondale, St. Louis, and Quincy. Train travel in Illinois is an excellent option for extended travel, or when you really don't want to navigate long stretches of highway traffic.

You can book seats in business or coach class and most Amtrak trains have Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, or food vendors. A huge benefit of train travel is that you can kick back and enjoy the ever-changing views of Illinois' broad range of scenery from urban skylines to pastoral rolling hills..

Popular Amtrak Illinois Routes:

  • Lincoln Service: Chicago to St. Louis
  • Illini and Saluki: Chicago to Carbondale services
  • Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg: Chicago to Quincy run

Top Car Rental Hints for Travelers in Illinois

Car rental provides you with maximum freedom and is usually the ideal choice to see off-the-beaten-path attractions. Before you hit the road, remember these useful car rental tips to make your travel through Illinois all the more enjoyable and a little easier.

Car rental tips you should consider:

  • Make Reservations Early: Especially during holidays or during busy travel seasons.
  • Shop Prices: Use a comparison site to make sure you are getting the best price.
  • Know your Insurance: Find out what coverage you have through your credit card, or personal insurance.
  • Read the Briefing on Mileage Limits: Unlimited is the best if you are planning a long road trip.
  • Know the Local Rules: For example, Illinois has a seat belt law that requires all passengers in a vehicle to buckle up and the local law prohibits using cellphones while driving unless you have a hands-free device.

Renting a car is a great option if you desire to visit places of scenic beauty like Shawnee National Forest, the Great River Road, or the quaint small towns that dot the state.

Getting Around Illinois: Blending Modes of Transportation

A combination method of traveling in Illinois is usually the most cost-effective. Take Illinois public transit to begin your journey in Chicago, Amtrak Illinois for long-distance travel between cities, and a rental car for your ultimate destination. It saves you money, emissions, and allows you to experience the best of what Illinois has to offer.

Example Itinerary Employing Several Forms of Transportation:

  • Day 1-2: Travel through Chicago by CTA trains and buses
  • Day 3: Ride Amtrak to Springfield
  • Day 4-5: Rent car in Springfield and visit nearby historic sites
  • Day 6: Drive to Shawnee National Forest
  • Day 7: Turn in car and ride Amtrak back to Chicago

Best Ways to Travel Around Illinois by Area

train network in chicago

Depending upon where you are going, alternative ways to get around Illinois could be better suited to your agenda. Here are the options separated by area:

Northern Illinois (includes Chicago): 

  • Public Transit: Large CTA & Metra commuter rail service, 
  • Bikes/Scooters: Great for short rides in the city. 
  • Car Rentals: Good for suburban/rural excursions. 

Central Illinois (Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington): 

  • Amtrak Illinois: Convenient linking from Chicago 
  • Buses: Local bus systems for main cities 
  • Car Rentals: Good for rural travel 

Southern Illinois: 

  • Car Rentals: Needed to see natural attractions 
  • Amtrak Routes: Convenient access to Carbondale 

Traveler Tips for New Users of Transportation in Illinois 

So whether you are a novice traveler or a resident on a trip planned, understanding how transportation works in Illinois will enrich your trip. Some reminders to consider are: 

  • Be Weather Aware: Illinois can be fickle weather-wise! Check the weather forecast before you travel. 
  • Plan Ahead: Download transit apps, plan routes, reserve rentals etc.
  • Travel Light: Particularly when taking buses or trains.
  • Safety First: Follow all traffic regulations and take care when driving at night in less crowded areas.

Options for Travelers with Disabilities

Illinois strives to offer accessible transportation to everyone. Illinois public transportation and Amtrak Illinois provide for persons with mobility disabilities, including:

  • Wheelchair-accessible buses and train cars
  • Audio announcements for the visually impaired
  • Assistance personnel at key stations

Several car rental companies also provide cars with hand controls or other adaptive options upon request.

Cost Comparison: Buses vs. Trains vs. Car Rentals

Each form of transportation in Illinois has its own price structure and thus, it is crucial that the travelers budget in relation to their itinerary and travel choices. The most affordable mode is public transportation and this will cost anything from $5 to $10 a day and is ideal for short urban city commutes in large cities such as Chicago or Springfield. For longer distances between towns.

Amtrak Illinois offers a comfortable and scenic option at a daily cost of between $25 and $60, depending upon route and class of service. If flexibility and the ability to go rural or remote are important, renting an auto is usually the preferred option, with average daily prices ranging from $40 to $80. This option provides the most autonomy, particularly for tourists wishing to visit off-the-beaten-path sites and natural scenery around the state.Pick based on your travel plan, travel purpose, and group size.

How Intelligent Planning Makes Transportation Easier in Illinois

Intelligent planning takes the hassle out of travel in Illinois. Knowing your options - and how to combine them - saves you time, money, and headache. Illinois is easy to navigate - whether you're into history, nature, or city life - if you come prepared.

Just remember: combining car rental tips, utilizing public transportation in Illinois and Amtrak Illinois can give you a seamless trip.

Final Thoughts About Getting Around Illinois

Transportation in Illinois provides a variety of choices, efficiency, and comprehensiveness for any type of traveler. Be it the eco-friendliness of the buses, the convenience of trains, or the convenience of driving, Illinois caters to every one's choice. Through utilization of various modes of travel in Illinois, you are able to get access to its popular sights and undiscovered areas easily.

Remember to refer back to the major tools covered here: maximize Amtrak Illinois, remember key car rental pointers, and use Illinois public transit as your convenience choice. With this comprehensive guide, traveling around Illinois has never been simpler.


 


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