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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Atlanta to Chicago. Traveling by train from Atlanta to Chicago usually takes 34 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 34 hours and 16 minutes.
| Distance | 589 mi (948 km) |
| Fastest train | 34h 16m |
| Lowest price | $166.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Atlanta to Chicago?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Atlanta to Chicago was $236.51. Train tickets on this route are typically priced higher due to the distance covered. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 28 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $187.49.
Average prices by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Atlanta to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between $224 and $306 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 Atlanta is $233.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Atlanta to Chicago on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $187.49 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Atlanta to Chicago?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Atlanta to Chicago. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 10h 39m | $284.98 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Atlanta to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $166.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Atlanta and Chicago is approximately 589 miles, or 948 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 34 hours and 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 34 hours and 16 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 from Atlanta to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 days, there is only one train which leaves Atlanta at 11:00pm and arrives in Chicago around 34 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Atlanta.
City Information
Atlanta
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the largest city in the Peach State. Located in the heart of America’s South, Atlanta is one of the foremost economic and cultural hubs in the region and the United States in general. As such, it's among the best vacation destinations in Georgia.
The city has played a major role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. As a result, across Atlanta you can find various museums and points of interest dedicated to the lives and works of various key figures in those events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center. Unsurprisingly, Atlanta is an important stop on our MLK Jr. itinerary.
Atlanta is also a key hub for the U.S. entertainment industry, and it offers some of the best nightlife experiences in the country. Here, you will find some of the finest craft beer in America and enjoy some of the best and most authentic southern food.
Atlanta is easily accessible by both bus and train from various parts of the country, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s location on the city’s outskirts makes it easy to travel to Atlanta from all over the world.
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 Atlanta?
Image credit: Michael Hohimer
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Peachtree Station - 1688 Peachtree St NW
Located at 1688 Peachtree Street NW in Atlanta’s Brookwood Hills neighborhood, the historic two-track Peachtree Train Station opened in 1918 in the style of an Italian Renaissance pavilion. The station, which is now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, features classic pilasters and columns. More than 70,000 passengers travel on Amtrak’s Crescent train services from Peachtree Station to major destinations including New Orleans, New York, and Washington D.C. Within the station building are two waiting rooms, restrooms, vending machines, and a ticket sales office. The station has accessible entrances and limited paid parking.
All train stations in Atlanta:
Peachtree Station - 1688 Peachtree St NW
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.
All train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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