Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak's web site in the "Resources" section below. On the web site, you can book your train reservations via Amtrak's Fare Finder. You can also navigate the site if you have a PDA, Blackberry or other handheld device. The trip between St. Louis and Chicago sells out during holidays and peak seasons, and booking late will cost you up to $50 extra.
If you ordered your tickets online or by phone, pick them up at a ticket agent or at one of the Quik-Trak kiosks that can be found at many Amtrak locations (you'll need to enter your reservation number). If you've booked your trip far in advance, you can also request that your tickets be mailed to you.
Consider taking a Lincoln Service train when you're in a rush. Since this trains starts in St. Louis, you'll have less chance of delays than with trains that continue from other parts of the country.
Upgrade for free. A ticket on the Texas Eagle costs the same as a coach seat on the Illinois Service, but all seats on the Viewliner train provide extra legroom, recliners and leg rests.
Use the web to compare fares. You can easily pull up fares for all six trains that travel from St. Louis to Chicago to ensure you choose the best deal.
