Cheap train tickets from Atlanta to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Atlanta to Chicago. Traveling by train from Atlanta to Chicago usually takes 34 hours and 49 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 | $207.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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
Atlanta to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Atlanta to Chicago?
There are usually 19 daily bus trips available from Atlanta to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$387.32 | Avg. Price$124.55Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips19 |
Duration | Duration34h 49m | Duration16h 39mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Atlanta to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Atlanta to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Atlanta to Chicago was $267.32. Considering the distance between Atlanta and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $1,816.68 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Atlanta to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Atlanta to Chicago will cost between $244 and $371. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Atlanta to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Atlanta 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 $257. If you're thinking of traveling from Atlanta to Chicago during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $464 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
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 $1,816.68 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Atlanta to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Atlanta to Chicago, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 34h 49m | $387.32 |
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 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $207.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Atlanta to Chicago
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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Atlanta to Chicago for $71.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
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 49 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
589
DISTANCE (KM)
948
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Atlanta at 11:29pm and arrives in Chicago around 34 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
11:29pm
LATEST TRAIN
11:29pm
Trains from Atlanta to Chicago are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
Atlanta
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 does the train leave from in Atlanta?
Main 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 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 Atlanta?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Atlanta
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.