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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Newark to Chicago. Traveling by train from Newark to Chicago usually takes around 22 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 20 hours and 43 minutes.
| Distance | 702 mi (1130 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 43m |
| Lowest price | €84.86 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Newark to Chicago?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Newark to Chicago was €176.38. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Newark and Chicago. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 21 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra €102.09.
Average prices by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Newark to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between €160 and €234 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Newark is €170.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Newark to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 21 days in advance. That way, you’ll save €102.09 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Newark to Chicago?
2 train services operate from Newark to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 22h 11m | €206.77 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 1d 3h 55m | €158.15 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Newark to Chicago every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €95.
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 Newark to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 27 hours and 55 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Newark and Chicago is approximately 702 miles, or 1130 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 43 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 Newark to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. 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 Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Newark at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 13:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Newark 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 Newark.
City Information
Newark
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As the most populous city in New Jersey, Newark offers some excellent museums, parks and restaurants that you can enjoy year-round. Art lovers should stop by the famous Newark Museum to enjoy a rich collection of works by American artists and sculptors. History buffs should check out the New Jersey Historical Society for ongoing exhibitions documenting the state’s rich history.
Located by the Passaic River, Newark offers various places where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll by the water. For the best views, head over to the city’s Riverfront Park near the hip Ironbound neighborhood. If you’re seeking more outdoor enjoyment, check out Branch Brook Park where you will find various lakes and plenty of cherry blossoms.
Newark is one of the biggest travel hubs in the United States, which makes it very easily accessible via all types of transportation. The Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the three airports that serves the New York City metro area, and its close proximity to Newark’s Penn Station makes it easy to reach from anywhere via bus or train.
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 Newark?
Image credit: Ken Lund
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Newark Penn Station
Not to be confused with the Penn Station in New York City just 10 miles away, Newark’s Penn Station is a vital regional transportation hub which serves the greater New York City and New Jersey area. Located a few blocks East of the central business district in Newark, Penn Station opened in 1935, when its Art Deco architecture was at the height of fashion - see if you can spot the Zodiac signs decorating the chandeliers! Travelers can access Amtrak intercity passenger trains running on the busy Northeast Corridor between Washington D.C. and Boston, as well as intercity buses like Greyhound and Fullington Trailways. Local transit available at Penn Station includes Newark Light Rail, Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rapid transit linking Newark to Manhattan, and NJ Transit commuter trains serving coastal and central New Jersey.
All train stations in Newark:
Newark Penn Station
Newark Intl Airport
Where is the train station in Chicago?
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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