Cheap train tickets from Wilmington to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Wilmington to Chicago. Traveling by train from Wilmington to Chicago usually takes 22 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 20 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 649 mi (1044 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 32m |
| Lowest price | $110.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Wilmington to Chicago Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Wilmington to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Wilmington to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Wilmington to Chicago was $184.50. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 19 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $220.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Wilmington to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Wilmington to Chicago will cost between $129 and $384. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Wilmington to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Wilmington 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 $225. If you're thinking of traveling from Wilmington to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $350 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Wilmington to Chicago on Wanderu at least 19 days ahead of time, you can save about $220.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Wilmington to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Wilmington to Chicago, including Amtrak, Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 21h 47m | $284.81 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 26h 40m | $352.05 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Wilmington to Chicago every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $186.
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 Wilmington to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 26 hours and 40 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Wilmington to Chicago
The distance between Wilmington and Chicago is approximately 649 miles, or 1044 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
649
DISTANCE (KM)
1044
The earliest train departs Wilmington at 8:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:13pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
8:45am
LATEST TRAIN
1:13pm
Trains from Wilmington to Chicago are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
City Information
Wilmington
Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.
To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement over 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.
Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honor of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Buses from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travelers can easily take a bus to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.
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 does the train leave from in Wilmington?
Main departure station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station
There is one train station in Wilmington.
All train stations in Wilmington:
- Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Where does the train arrive 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 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.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Wilmington?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Wilmington
- Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC Train$118+
- Wilmington to New Orleans Train$169+
- Wilmington to Woodbridge Township Train$28+
- Wilmington to Boston Train$99+
- Wilmington to New York Train$72+
- Wilmington to Rensselaer Train$84+
- Wilmington to South Kingstown Train$39+
- Wilmington to Harrisburg Train$48+
- Wilmington to New Haven Train$37+
- Wilmington to Westerly Train$56+
- Wilmington to New Rochelle Train$22+
- Wilmington to Woodbridge Train$59+
- Wilmington to Niagara Falls Train$124+
- Wilmington to Washington, DC Train$32+
- Wilmington, DE to Newark, DE Train$19+
- Wilmington to Savannah Train$168+
- Wilmington to Philadelphia Train$23+
- Wilmington to Norfolk Train$60+
Continue by train from Chicago
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
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. 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.