We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
2 trains operate daily from Chicago to Fargo. The train trip from Chicago to Fargo is usually about 13 hours and 8 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 569 mi (915 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 8m |
| Lowest price | US$57.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 1 |
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Fargo
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: I was very excited the way I saw train. It was a fantastic experience. Cons: As far as I am concerned, keep the good work. Tips: I will try.
5.0
We had the airlines flight canceled in Chicago we would have to spend 3 days before getting to fargo by airplane. Got train ride next day. New years Day.
In the last month, US$70.55 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Fargo. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around US$84.86 more than that for a same-day booking.
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Fargo is expected to fluctuate between US$71 and US$105 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Fargo in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Chicago is US$71.
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Fargo often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only US$97,
If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Fargo during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$169 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Fargo from Chicago will be about CUS$84.86 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Amtrak Empire Builder is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Fargo. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 13h 9m | US$88.23 |
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.
The distance between Chicago and Fargo is approximately 569 miles, or 915 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 8 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Chicago to Fargo. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 3:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Fargo with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Fargo to 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.
Fargo conjures up thoughts of the Old West, a movie, and one part of a famous stage coach line in the 1800s. However, this isn't the 1800s, and Fargo is more than a collection of outdated old stereotypes. It's now a thriving city with plenty of hotel, dining, and entertainment options. It's also home to North Dakota State University, a national powerhouse in the Football Championship Subdivision, and a vibrant artistic scene.
On your trip to Fargo, North Dakota's largest city, visit the Plains Art Museum, the Fargo Air Museum, and Bonanzaville USA to learn about local history. The Red River Zoo will be a hit with kids.
A visit to the Drekker Brewery is a must for beer lovers. Everything is still done by hand with meticulous attention to the ingredients and the quality of its beers. But, of course, the best way to get into the Drekker vibe is to go to their taproom and try a few samples!
Jefferson Lines provides bus service to Fargo, with routes from Minneapolis, Denton, and even Los Angeles. You can also hop on a train to Fargo from Chicago, New Haven, and Petersburg.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Fargo has one train station.
420 4th St N
US$14+
US$376+
US$315+
US$140+
US$130+
US$544+
US$141+
US$36+
US$176+
US$142+
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more
