Cheap train tickets from Scranton to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Scranton to Chicago. Travelling by train from Scranton to Chicago usually takes 1 day, 7 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day, 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- Distance
- 618 mi (995 km)
- Fastest train
- 27h 45m
- Lowest price
- US$226.00
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Scranton to Chicago Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Scranton to Chicago?
There are usually 8 daily coach trips from Scranton to Chicago.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$297.29 | Avg. PriceUS$157.57Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips8 |
Duration | Duration31h 11m | Duration26h 32mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Scranton to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Scranton to Chicago?
In the last month, train tickets from Scranton to Chicago cost about US$234 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Scranton and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 4 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$110 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Scranton to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Scranton to Chicago will cost between US$221 and US$308. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Scranton to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Scranton to Chicago 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$275. If you're thinking of travelling from Scranton to Chicago during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$416 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Scranton to Chicago on Wanderu at least 4 days ahead of time, you can save about US$110 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Scranton to Chicago?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Scranton to Chicago. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 31h 11m | US$297.29 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Scranton to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$208.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Scranton to Chicago
While the train is the main method of transport from Scranton to Chicago, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a coach or express shuttle.
Trains leave the station in Scranton 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 hand 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 Scranton. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Scranton to Chicago for US$97.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Scranton and Chicago is approximately 618 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 7 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 3 hours and 45 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)
618
Distance (km)
995
The earliest train departs Scranton at 6:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00. 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
6:00am
Last train
6:00am
Trains from Scranton to Chicago are the most crowded on Monday. 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
Monday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Scranton
You might know Scranton from the award-winning documentary that took place there, The Office. But Scranton is much more than paper and beet farms.
The Steamtown National Historic Site is a little museum dedicated to steam engines and their role in the economy of the United States throughout the nineteenth century. The Anthracite Heritage Museum engages a wide range of audiences by interpreting, collecting, and presenting the story of hard coal mining, allied industries, northern Pennsylvania's historic immigrant culture, and the evolution of the region's culture. Scranton is also known for its handcrafted smoked and cured meats, including their unique smoked kielbasa blend of pork and beef.
Scranton Bus Terminal is the city's main coach and train station, which services all sorts of carriers. Popular coach routes to Scranton come from New York, Seattle, and Kingston. Amtrak trains, meanwhile, are available from Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Seabrook, and more.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Scranton?
Main departure station: Lackawanna Transit Center
There is one train station in Scranton.
All train stations in Scranton:
- Lackawanna Transit Center
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 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.
Train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Scranton?
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