There are 4 ways to get from Chicago to Ottumwa by train (Amtrak), car, plane, or bus
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Train (Amtrak)
best- Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Ottumwa Amtrak Stationtrain California Zephyr
4h 57m$65–170Drive 293.5 mi
cheapest- Drive from Chicago to Ottumwacar 293.5 mi
5h 45m$54–78Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, bus
- Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM)plane ORD - DSM
- Take the bus from Des Moines to Ottumwa Bus Stopbus
7h 8m$112–518Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport, bus
- Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Des Moines (DSM)plane MDW - DSM
- Take the bus from Des Moines to Ottumwa Bus Stopbus
6h 53m$128–628
Chicago to Ottumwa by train (Amtrak)
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Ottumwa is to drive which costs $50 - $80 and takes 5h 45m.
The fastest way to get from Chicago to Ottumwa is to train which takes 4h 57m and costs $65 - $170.
Yes, there is a direct train departing from Chicago Union Station station and arriving at Ottumwa Amtrak Station station. Services depart once daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 4h 57m.
The distance between Chicago and Ottumwa is 281 miles. The road distance is 295.2 miles.
The best way to get from Chicago to Ottumwa without a car is to train which takes 4h 57m and costs $65 - $170.
The train from Chicago Union Station to Ottumwa Amtrak Station takes 4h 57m including transfers and departs once daily.
Chicago to Ottumwa train services, operated by Amtrak, depart from Chicago Union Station.
Chicago to Ottumwa train services, operated by Amtrak, arrive at Ottumwa Amtrak Station.
Yes, the driving distance between Chicago to Ottumwa is 295 miles. It takes approximately 5h 45m to drive from Chicago to Ottumwa.
Book your Chicago to Ottumwa train tickets online with Omio.
What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Ottumwa, IA, USA?
Amtrak operates a train from Chicago Union Station to Ottumwa Amtrak Station once daily. Tickets cost $65–170 and the journey takes 4h 57m.
- Website
- united.com
Flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Des Moines
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 30m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $40–280
Rome2Rio's guide to Amtrak
Contact DetailsContact Details
- Phone
- +1 800-872-7245
- Website
- Amtrak
Train from Chicago Union Station to Ottumwa Amtrak Station
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 57m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $65–170
- Website
- Amtrak
Rome2Rio's guide to Greyhound USA
Contact DetailsContact Details
- Phone
- +1 214-849-8100
- [email protected]
- Website
- Greyhound
Bus from Des Moines to Ottumwa Bus Stop
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 50m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $13–22
- Website
- Greyhound
Bus from Des Moines to Ottumwa Bus Stop
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 50m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $13–22
- Website
- Greyhound
Want to know more about travelling around United States
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Booking & Getting There
There are eight+ hotels available in Ottumwa.








