5.0
Pros: Smooth and pleasant. Cons: Waiting hours should be improved upon, its tiring. Tips: Amtrak is da bomb.
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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Chicago to Atlanta. The train trip from Chicago to Atlanta is usually about 37 hours and 17 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 37 hours and 3 minutes.
| Distance | 589 mi (948 km) |
| Fastest train | 37h 3m |
| Lowest price | US$170.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Atlanta
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Atlanta?
The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to Atlanta is US$252.14, The lengthy distance traveled between Chicago and Atlanta often means relatively more expensive train tickets. By booking your trip at least 23 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay US$130.10 more.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Atlanta will vary between CUS$234 and CUS$341. Planning a train trip to Atlanta within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is CUS$249. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Atlanta. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of US$251. If you're planning a trip from Chicago to Atlanta during April, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about US$350 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Chicago to Atlanta, book online with Wanderu at least 23 days in advance. That way, you’ll save US$130.10 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Chicago to Atlanta?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Atlanta. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 13h 17m | US$290.65 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Atlanta every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$166.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Chicago and Atlanta is approximately 589 miles, or 948 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 37 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 37 hours and 3 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Chicago to Atlanta. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 5:00pm and arrives in Atlanta around 37 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Atlanta to Chicago.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Atlanta
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the largest city in the Peach State. Located in the heart of America’s South, Atlanta is one of the foremost economic and cultural hubs in the region and the United States in general. As such, it's among the best vacation destinations in Georgia.
The city has played a major role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. As a result, across Atlanta you can find various museums and points of interest dedicated to the lives and works of various key figures in those events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center. Unsurprisingly, Atlanta is an important stop on our MLK Jr. itinerary.
Atlanta is also a key hub for the U.S. entertainment industry, and it offers some of the best nightlife experiences in the country. Here, you will find some of the finest craft beer in America and enjoy some of the best and most authentic southern food.
Atlanta is easily accessible by both bus and train from various parts of the country, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s location on the city’s outskirts makes it easy to travel to Atlanta from all over the world.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
All train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Where is the train station in Atlanta?
Image credit: Michael Hohimer
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Peachtree Station - 1688 Peachtree St NW
Located at 1688 Peachtree Street NW in Atlanta’s Brookwood Hills neighborhood, the historic two-track Peachtree Train Station opened in 1918 in the style of an Italian Renaissance pavilion. The station, which is now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, features classic pilasters and columns. More than 70,000 passengers travel on Amtrak’s Crescent train services from Peachtree Station to major destinations including New Orleans, New York, and Washington D.C. Within the station building are two waiting rooms, restrooms, vending machines, and a ticket sales office. The station has accessible entrances and limited paid parking.
Train stations in Atlanta:
Peachtree Station - 1688 Peachtree St NW
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