Needing to get home to visit sick relative and I'll be traveling with my toddler child. Problem is that air fare is way too expensive, so my choices are to drive from Chicago to OKC or do amtrak.

I know amtrak is supposed to be horrible, but the thought of being on the road alone with a toddler is scary too.

If I do decide to drive, are there any interesting routes besides the typical one that goes through MO- etc?

The only AMTRAK passenger train that goes to OKC is the Heartland Flyer from Fort Worth. From Chicago, it's 24hrs to Fort Worth, 2 hours of layover, and then 4+ hours to OKC.

Or you can take the Southwest Chief to Kansas City (~7 hour), and then a connecting overnight bus (also ~7 hours) to OKC.

Both methods will be very tiring for both yourself and the child.

Driving is 800 miles. You can do it in one long day, or an easy 2-day drive with an overnight.

I would drive. And I'd stick to I-55/44.

I can't imagine that Amtrak would be cheaper than Southwest. Doesn't Southwest fly into Oklahoma City?

SW's refundable fare is $249 + tax one-way. If you have two weeks, then it can be as cheap as $99 one-way. I think Southwest charges kids that are 2+ as adults.

AMTRAK is $128-150 one-way, if you go tomorrow. Children half price.

Greyhound is about 19 hours each way with a switch in St. Louis or KC. Also tough. Adult $124, child 2-4 $74.

If you have a safe car and can handle the drive, I would stay away from Amtrak. It's always a nightmare!

are you sure you're really shopped all possibilities for cheap airfare?

I would do Amtrak...if there was Chicago-OKC service. Unfortunately, OKC's rail service only goes to Fort Worth.