Cheap train tickets from Charleston to Chicago

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Charleston to Chicago. Travelling by train from Charleston to Chicago usually takes 14 hours and 16 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance: 400 mi (643 km)
Fastest train: 14h 16m
Lowest price: CHF 110.80
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak Cardinal
Train lines: 1

Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 400+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Charleston to Chicago Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Charleston to Chicago?

There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Charleston to Chicago.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 137.12	Avg. PriceCHF 86.27Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips1	Daily Trips5
Duration	Duration14h 16mFaster	Duration20h 48m

There are several train options that can take you from Charleston to Chicago:

Amtrak Cardinal tickets: CHF 110 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Charleston to Chicago?

In the last month, train tickets from Charleston to Chicago cost about CHF 111 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 74.14 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Chicago by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charleston to Chicago will cost between CHF 49 and CHF 142. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Chicago by month

Ticket prices for the train from Charleston to Chicago 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 CHF 107. If you're thinking of travelling from Charleston to Chicago during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 171 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Charleston to Chicago on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 74.14 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Charleston to Chicago?

Amtrak Cardinal is the one and only train line which connects Charleston to Chicago. 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 Cardinal	1	14h 16m	CHF 137.12

The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There is usually 1 Cardinal trip from Charleston to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 14 hours and 16 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Charleston to Chicago

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Charleston. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Charleston to Chicago for CHF 62.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Charleston and Chicago is approximately 643 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 16 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.

Distance (mi)

400

Distance (km)

643

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Charleston at 9:09 p.m. and arrives in Chicago around 14 hours later.

First train

9:09pm

Last train

9:09pm

Trains from Charleston to Chicago are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Sunday

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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, 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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Charleston?

Main departure station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE

There is one train station in Charleston.

All train stations in Charleston:

350 MacCorkle Ave SE

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Union Station

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:

Union Station

Need a return trip from Chicago to Charleston?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Charleston

Charleston to Orlando TrainCHF 177+
Charleston to New York TrainCHF 93+
Charleston to White Sulphur Springs TrainCHF 22+
Harpers Ferry to Orlando TrainCHF 146+
Harpers Ferry to Rockville TrainCHF 13+
Harpers Ferry to New York TrainCHF 113+
Huntington to New York TrainCHF 92+
Martinsburg to Orlando TrainCHF 147+
Martinsburg to Chicago TrainCHF 64+

Charleston to Atlanta TrainCHF 187+
Charleston to Nashville TrainCHF 155+
Harpers Ferry to Washington DC TrainCHF 14+
Harpers Ferry to Chicago TrainCHF 64+
Harpers Ferry to Raleigh TrainCHF 50+
Harpers Ferry to Pittsburgh TrainCHF 40+
Martinsburg to Washington DC TrainCHF 17+
Martinsburg to Tampa TrainCHF 181+
Martinsburg to Baltimore TrainCHF 37+

Continue by train from Chicago

Check out these popular routes

Ottawa to Montreal TrainCHF 27+
Montreal to Ottawa TrainCHF 27+
Montreal to New York TrainCHF 76+
London to Paris Train
Chicago to St Louis TrainCHF 62+
Raleigh to Charlotte TrainCHF 28+
New York to Pittsburgh TrainCHF 107+
Niagara Falls, NY to Toronto, ON TrainCHF 44+
Seattle to New York TrainCHF 506+

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

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. 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.