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Harrisburg to Chicago train

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Harrisburg - Chicago Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Harrisburg to Chicago. The train trip from Harrisburg to Chicago is usually about 21 hours and 9 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 19 hours and 9 minutes.

Distance570 mi (917 km)
Fastest train19h 9m
Lowest price£80.14
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Harrisburg to Chicago

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Piotr

31 May 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: No problems. Cons: Forgive us mistakes more.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Harrisburg to Chicago is £115.19, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 29 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 £29.26 more.

Average prices by travel date

£153£102£51MarMar

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Harrisburg to Chicago will vary between £98 and £152. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Harrisburg over the next 7 days is £98. 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

£196£157£118£79£39AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during December. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Harrisburg to Chicago, with the average price at just £112. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to £182. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

£157£126£94£63£313020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Harrisburg to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save £29.26 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Harrisburg to Chicago?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Harrisburg to Chicago. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak221h 9m£121.78
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Harrisburg to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £80.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Harrisburg and Chicago is approximately 570 miles, or 917 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 9 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.

Trains departing from Harrisburg to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Harrisburg at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. 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 Harrisburg twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Chicago to Harrisburg.

City Information

Harrisburg

As the capital city of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg offers numerous historic buildings with impressive architecture that will leave you in awe. Among the most impressive ones is the state’s Capitol Complex itself. With a dome that reminisces St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the building features as many as 475 rooms filled with exquisite artworks and statues. History fans should also consider visiting the State Museum of Pennsylvania, which follows the history of the state from the beginning of time to this day. Another must-see destination is the National Civil War Museum, which is one of the largest museums dedicated to the Civil War. If too many history lessons stress you out, a cruise along the Susquehanna River on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat will definitely help you unwind.

Harrisburg’s grilled dishes are some of the most famous staples in the city, and among the best establishments is Progress Grill, which has been serving customers since the late 1940s. For some really creative pizzas, The Pizza Grille will be a good choice.

The Harrisburg Transportation Center is the central hub for intercity travel. At the lower level, you can catch a bus by Greyhound, Jefferson Lines or Fullington Trailways to other Pennsylvanian cities such as Allentown and Philadelphia. Travelers can also take Amtrak trains to popular destinations like New York and Philadelphia on a daily basis. The city’s principal airport is Harrisburg International Airport, which is located in Middletown, southeast of the city.

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 Harrisburg?

Harrisburg Transportation Center  - HARHTC-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
Harrisburg Transportation Center  - HARHTC-1

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Harrisburg Transportation Center

The Harrisburg Transportation Center (HTC) is a national historical landmark, with a portion of the station dating back to 1887. The station still serves as the city’s primary transportation hub and welcomes over half a million passengers annually. The Harrisburg Transportation Center is the departure point for Amtrak’s Keystone Service to New York City and a stop on the Pennsylvanian route from New York City to Pittsburgh. Besides train service, bus service on Jefferson Lines, Fullington Trailways, and Greyhound operates through this station. Located in downtown Harrisburg, the station is a quick walk from Capitol Park and some of the city’s top restaurants and shopping.

All train stations in Harrisburg:

  • Harrisburg Transportation Center

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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