Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

When are trains the most crowded?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which train should you take from New York to Chicago?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 train lines with service from New York to Chicago.  Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 5 trains each day.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The average price for a train ticket from New York to Chicago is €68.99, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 23 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 €71.44 more.

Question 6

Is there a direct train from New York to Chicago?

Accepted Answer

There are 6 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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The distance between New York and Chicago is approximately 711 miles, or 1144 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours, 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.

Question 8

When are the first and last trains of the day?

Accepted Answer

The earliest train departs New York at 06:00 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.

Question 9

Get around town with Moovit

Accepted Answer

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in Chicago. Download here

Question 10

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Chicago has one train station.

Question 11

Where is the train station in New York?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Prices as travel date approaches

Accepted Answer

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from New York will be about €71.44 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Question 13

Average prices by travel date

Accepted Answer

The average cost of a one-way train trip from New York to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between  and  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 New York is .

Question 14

Monthly average prices

Accepted Answer

Mark your calendar for  if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from New York to Chicago. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of . If you're planning a trip from New York to Chicago during , bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about  for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Question 15

Need a return trip from Chicago to New York?

Accepted Answer

Search Train Tickets

Question 16

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

Accepted Answer

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.