Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Wilmington

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Wilmington. Travelling by train from Chicago to Wilmington usually takes 21 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 20 hours and 23 minutes.

Distance: 649 mi (1044 km)
Fastest train: 20h 23m
Lowest price: US$112.00
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Wilmington Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to Wilmington?

	Train	Coach
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceUS$232.91	Avg. PriceUS$161.45Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips6
Duration	Duration21h 54mFaster	Duration23h 39m

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

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Wilmington cost about US$192 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 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$166.71 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Wilmington by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Wilmington will cost between US$141 and US$442. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Wilmington by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Wilmington often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$175. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Wilmington during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$275 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Wilmington on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about US$166.71 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Wilmington?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Wilmington. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	21h 27m	US$231.17
Amtrak Cardinal	1	25h 39m	US$247.43

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Wilmington every day, as well as 3 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$115.
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 sockets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There is usually 1 Cardinal trip from Chicago to Wilmington per day, with an average trip length of 1 day, 1 hour and 39 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to Wilmington

There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your hand luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Wilmington to Chicago.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Wilmington is approximately 649 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 23 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

649

Distance (km)

1044

The earliest train departs Chicago at 17:35 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:40. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

5:35pm

Last train

6:40pm

Trains from Chicago to Wilmington are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Friday

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 holiday 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 transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.

To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement nearly 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.

Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honour of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Coaches from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travellers can easily take a coach to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main departure 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 coach 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

Where is the train station in Wilmington?

Main arrival station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station

Wilmington has one train station.

Train stations in Wilmington:

Amtrak/SEPTA Station

Need a return trip from Wilmington to Chicago?

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