The Amtrak Springfield to Alton is a fast, easy, and affordable train ride in Illinois. The trip takes about 1 hour and runs several times a day, making it perfect for commuters, students, and weekend travelers. Tickets start at just $9, and discounts are available for seniors, kids, and groups. Trains are clean, quiet, and offer free Wi-Fi, comfortable seats, and restrooms onboard. Skip the traffic and enjoy a smooth ride with Amtrak from Springfield to Alton.
Amtrak Springfield to Alton Routes Overview
Traveling from Springfield to Alton, Illinois by Amtrak is a convenient and comfortable option. This route is part of the Lincoln Service, offering daily trains between Chicago and St. Louis, with stops in both Springfield and Alton. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a fast and reliable way to travel between these two cities. Onboard, passengers enjoy spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and scenic views of Central Illinois. Whether you’re commuting, visiting family, or exploring the region, Amtrak provides a smooth and enjoyable ride from Springfield to Alton.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Lincoln Service (also served by Texas Eagle) |
| Departure Station | Springfield Station (SPI), Illinois |
| Arrival Station | Alton Station (ALN), Illinois |
| Intermediate Stop | Carlinville, IL |
| Travel Time | Approximately 1 hour |
| Distance | Around 75 miles (120 kilometers) |
| Frequency | 4–5 trains per day |
| Ticket Price Range | Starts around $9, average up to $19 |
| Onboard Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, clean restrooms |
| Seat Type | Spacious seats with extra legroom |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access and assistance available |
| Booking Options | Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile app |
| Ideal For | Commuters, students, weekend travelers |
| Eco-Friendly | Lower carbon footprint than driving |
Amtrak Springfield to Alton Routes
Amtrak Springfield to Alton Routes offer a fast and easy way to travel through central Illinois. The train starts at Springfield Station and stops at Carlinville before reaching Alton Station, near the St. Louis area. The route is part of Amtrak’s Lincoln Service, known for smooth rides and reliable schedules. With several trains running daily, passengers enjoy a quick trip of about 1 hour. It’s a great choice for commuters, students, and weekend travelers looking for comfort and convenience.
| Route | Train Service | Service Type | Departure Station | Arrival Station | Estimated Duration | Ticket Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield to Alton | Lincoln Service (Train 301) | Regional | Springfield, IL | Alton, IL | 1 hour 7 minutes | One-way, round-trip, flexible fares |
| Springfield to Alton | Lincoln Service (Train 303) | Regional | Springfield, IL | Alton, IL | 1 hour 9 minutes | Saver fares, flexible tickets |
| Springfield to Alton | Texas Eagle (Train 21) | Long-Distance | Springfield, IL | Alton, IL | 1 hour 8 minutes | Value fares, business class available |
| Springfield to Alton | Lincoln Service (Train 305) | Regional | Springfield, IL | Alton, IL | 1 hour 11 minutes | One-way, round-trip, mobile tickets |
| Springfield to Alton | Lincoln Service (Train 307) | Regional | Springfield, IL | Alton, IL | 1 hour 11 minutes | Saver, Value, and Flexible fares |
Amtrak Springfield to Alton Schedule
Amtrak Springfield to Alton Schedule offers multiple train times each day, making travel easy and flexible. Trains run from early morning to late evening, with the journey taking about 1 hour. This route is part of Amtrak’s Lincoln Service, known for being fast and reliable. Passengers can choose a time that fits their plan, whether it’s for work, school, or a weekend trip. Always check the latest schedule on Amtrak.com before you travel.
| Train # / Service | Depart Springfield (SPI) | Arrive Alton (ALN) | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Service / 301 | 10:15 AM | 11:22 AM | 1h 7m |
| Lincoln Service / 303 | 12:50 PM | 1:59 PM | 1h 9m |
| Texas Eagle / 21 | 5:14 PM | 6:22 PM | 1h 8m |
| Lincoln Service / 305 | 8:39 PM | 9:50 PM | 1h 11m |
| Lincoln Service / 307 | 10:24 PM | 11:35 PM | 1h 11m |
Amtrak Springfield to Alton Ticket Prices
Amtrak Springfield to Alton Ticket Prices are affordable and great for budget travel. One-way tickets usually start at $9, with average fares around $14. Prices may change based on travel date, time, and how early you book. Amtrak also offers discounts for seniors, students, children, and groups, making the trip even more cost-friendly. For the best deals, book your ticket in advance on Amtrak.com.
| Route | Train Service | Ticket Type | Price Range (USD) | Booking Flexibility | Discounts Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield → Alton | Lincoln Service / Regional | Saver / Sale | $11 – $27 (estimated) | Low (must cancel within 24 h for refund) | Senior, student, AAA, etc. (typical Amtrak discounts) |
| Springfield → Alton | Lincoln Service / Regional | Value / Standard | (within same range, sometimes higher) | Moderate (changes not allowed, refund penalties) | Same discount types |
| Springfield → Alton | Lincoln Service / Regional | Flexible / Flex | (higher end of the range) | High (free changes, full refund before departure) | Same discounts |
| Springfield → Alton | Texas Eagle / Long‑Distance | Saver / Sale | Similar estimated range (if using this segment) | Low (similar rules) | Same discounts |
| Springfield → Alton | Texas Eagle / Long‑Distance | Value / Standard | Higher than Saver | Moderate | Same discounts |
| Springfield → Alton | Texas Eagle / Long‑Distance | Flexible / Flex | Highest fares | Highest flexibility | Same discounts |
Amtrak Comfort: Springfield to Alton
Traveling with Amtrak from Springfield to Alton means enjoying a smooth, quiet, and relaxing ride. Trains offer spacious seats, extra legroom, and no middle seats, so you can stretch out and enjoy the journey. You’ll find free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and clean restrooms onboard. The ride takes about 1 hour, making it a quick and comfortable option for work or leisure. With friendly service and a calm atmosphere, Amtrak makes your trip easy and stress-free.
- Smooth and quiet ride with no traffic, no stress, and a peaceful travel experience
- Spacious seats with extra legroom and wide aisles perfect for relaxing or working
- Free Wi-Fi onboard so you can browse the internet, check emails, or stream music
- Power outlets at every seat to keep your phone, laptop, or tablet fully charged
- Clean restrooms available throughout the train for your comfort and convenience
- Generous baggage allowance with space for two carry-ons and two personal items
- Friendly staff ready to help with boarding, seating, and any travel questions
- Quick travel time just about 1 hour from Springfield to Alton, ideal for short trips
- Eco-friendly travel that helps reduce your carbon footprint compared to driving
- Affordable fares starting around $9, with discounts for seniors, students, children, and groups
- Easy booking options through Amtrak.com or the Amtrak mobile app for fast reservations
- Relaxing atmosphere with quiet cars available, perfect for reading or unwinding
- Food and drinks available on select trains, or bring your own snacks for the ride
- Scenic views of Illinois countryside from large windows during your journey
- Accessibility services for passengers with mobility needs, including priority seating and assistance
Amtrak Springfield to Alton vs. Other Travel Options
Traveling from Springfield to Alton is easy by train, car, or bus but Amtrak stands out. The train takes about 1 hour, offers comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, and affordable fares starting at $9. Driving may cost more in gas and parking, and buses can take longer with fewer amenities. Amtrak is a smart choice for a fast, relaxing, and eco-friendly trip between these two cities.
| Travel Option | Estimated Travel Time* | Approximate Cost* | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak (Train) | 1h 07‑1h 11m (depending on service) | US $11‑$30 (one‑way, coach) | Comfortable, scenic, no traffic stress; amenities like Wi-Fi, restrooms; reliable schedule | Fixed schedule; need to get to/from stations; may cost more than driving for multiple people |
| Driving (Car, solo) | 1h 30‑1h 45m depending on route/traffic | Fuel + tolls ≈ US $10‑$15 one‑way (gas only) | Flexible departure times; door‑to‑door; good if traveling with others; more private | Cost (fuel, parking); wear‑and‑tear; traffic can delay; no rest stops built‑in |
| Bus | Likely 2‑3 hours or more (depending on route, stops) | Possibly similar or lower than train (if discount, or basic service); but fewer amenities | Often cheaper; more frequent stops; may have lower cost if booked in advance | Slower; less comfort; fewer amenities; dependent on route/schedules; potential for delays |
Amtrak Springfield to Alton Travel Tips
Book early for the best prices. Check the train schedule before your trip. Arrive at the station 30 minutes early. Use the Amtrak app to manage tickets. Pack light and bring snacks. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, comfy seats, and clean restrooms. Look for discounts if you’re a student, senior, or traveling with kids.
- Book early to get the lowest faresprices start around $9
- Check the schedule on Amtrak.com for updated train times
- Use the Amtrak app to manage tickets, track your train, and get alerts
- Pack light you can bring two carry-ons and two personal items for free
- Arrive 30 minutes early to avoid last-minute rush at the station
- Choose your seat early if available, especially during busy travel times
- Bring snacks or drinks, especially for short trips without café service
- Use quiet cars if you prefer a peaceful ride (available on select trains)
- Check discounts for seniors, students, children, and group travel
- Dress for the weather stations may be open-air or uncovered
- Carry ID if you’re using a discounted fare or traveling with children
- Ask for help Amtrak staff are friendly and ready to assist
- Go green train travel is more eco-friendly than driving
Some Other Amtrak Routes
- Amtrak Springfield to New York
- Amtrak Springfield to Chicago
- Amtrak Springfield to Boston
- Amtrak Springfield to New Haven
Conclusion
Traveling by Amtrak from Springfield to Alton is a smart and simple choice. The train ride takes about 1 hour, with several trips available each day. Tickets are affordable, starting around $9, and the trains are clean, comfortable, and offer free Wi-Fi. You can relax, avoid traffic, and enjoy a smooth journey. Whether you’re going for work, school, or a short trip, Amtrak makes travel easy and stress-free.
FAQs on Amtrak Springfield to Alton
The trip takes about 1 hour, depending on the train and time of day.
The Lincoln Service and sometimes the Texas Eagle operate on this route.
Ticket prices start around $9 and may go up to $19, depending on booking time and travel date.
There are usually 4 to 5 daily departures, offering flexible travel options.
Trains depart from Springfield Station (SPI), located downtown.
Trains arrive at Alton Station (ALN), near the St. Louis metro area.
Yes, Amtrak offers discounts for seniors, students, children, and groups.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on most Lincoln Service trains.
Yes, you can bring two carry-ons and two personal items for free.
Yes, all Amtrak trains have clean and accessible restrooms.
For this short route, food service may be limited, so it’s best to bring your own snacks.
Yes, Amtrak offers a faster, more comfortable, and eco-friendly option compared to driving or buses.
