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Trains from New York to Chicago

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New York - Chicago Train Timetable

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Train Trip Information: New York to Chicago

There are 7 daily trains from New York to Chicago. Traveling by train from New York to Chicago usually takes around 24 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can make the trip in 19 hours and 32 minutes.

Distance711 mi (1144 km)
Fastest train19h 32m
Lowest price£73.66
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from New York to Chicago

(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Kari Anna

3 January 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: It was comfy and peaceful. Cons: The light at night could be more turned of. Tips: Not sure.

Pros: It was comfy and peaceful. Cons: The light at night could be more turned of. Tips: Not sure.

5.0

Yauheni

13 July 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Well, it was ok. Cons: The lits weren't turned off at night and ac was turned on, so it was cold at night. Tips: Bring a sweater and a small cushion so you will be able to have a nap during your trip.

Pros: Well, it was ok. Cons: The lits weren't turned off at night and ac was turned on, so it was cold at night. Tips: Bring a sweater and a small cushion so you will be able to have a nap during your trip.

5.0

Gonzalo

3 June 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: N/A. Cons: N.

Pros: N/A. Cons: N.

5.0

Emerald

4 July 2020- Solo travel

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: It was comfortable and provided a good experience. Cons: Staff could monitor people better. Tips: Be careful about the other travelers they might be drunk.

Pros: It was comfortable and provided a good experience. Cons: Staff could monitor people better. Tips: Be careful about the other travelers they might be drunk.

4.0

Wei

1 October 2019- Vacation

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: The seats were very comfy and there was a lot of room for your legs. The facilities were very nice and the the WiFi was very convenient. We would definitely ride it again. Cons: There should be some free water for the passengers.

Pros: The seats were very comfy and there was a lot of room for your legs. The facilities were very nice and the the WiFi was very convenient. We would definitely ride it again. Cons: There should be some free water for the passengers.

New York to Chicago Route Map

New York Chicago

Train service from New York to Chicago

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

In the last month, £129.76 was the average price of a train ticket from New York to Chicago. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 28 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £120.29 more than that for a same-day booking.

Monthly average prices

£184£147£110£74£37JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from New York to Chicago by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just £101 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from New York to Chicago in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £169 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

£225£180£135£90£453020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from New York will be about £120.29 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from New York to Chicago?

There are 3 train lines with service from New York to Chicago. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 7 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak71d 0h 13m£175.39
Amtrak Cardinal11d 4h 15m£122.22
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited119h 32m£118.39
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 7 Amtrak trains from New York to Chicago every day, as well as 38 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £82.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Cardinal

    Amtrak Cardinal

    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 are usually 1 Cardinal trips from New York to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 28 hours and 15 minutes.

  • Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

    Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

    The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is an overnight train that runs along some of the best shorelines in the U.S., connecting New York City and Boston with Chicago. The service provides top-tier amenities to its passengers, including free WiFi and dining onboard. The Lake Shore Limited departs from Penn Station in New York and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 19 hours and 32 minutes and ticket prices start at £74.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from New York to Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from New York to Chicago?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from New York to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from New York to Chicago?

The distance between New York and Chicago is approximately 711 miles, or 1144 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 32 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from New York to Chicago 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 traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs New York at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from New York to Chicago?

There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from New York to Chicago. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to New York.

City Information

New York

NYC-0NYC-1NYC-2

New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world for a reason – it offers numerous opportunities for a great time to visitors of all ages and interests. For the culturally inclined travelers, the city boasts a unique collection of world-famous museums, as well as the chance to see the best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer, or check out the latest production at the Metropolitan Opera. If sightseeing is your cardio, NYC is the place to be – just by walking around town, you can visit such iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square.

NYC’s five boroughs feature more than 1,700 parks, including the gorgeous Central Park, making it one of the best cities for outdoor activities in the country. As for the nightlife, there’s no argument that New York City is the biggest party hub in the U.S.

With three major bus and train stations in Manhattan alone – Port Authority, Grand Central & Penn Station – and three nearby airports, NYC is one of the predominant travel hubs in the world.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in New York?

Departure stations

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 15 stops and stations in New York where you can board the train.

All train stations in New York:

  • Amtrak/SEPTA Station

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • 72 S Clinton Ave

  • Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St

  • Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)

  • Union Station

  • 100 Middlesex Essex Tpke

  • 7519 Staples Mill Rd

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • MARC Station

  • Penn Station

  • Newark Intl Airport

  • Newark Penn Station

  • Scranton Bus Terminal

  • 200 Lafayette Blvd

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Arrival stations

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.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

Related reading

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