Deutschland
España
France
Italia
México
Nederland
United Kingdom
Cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC. Traveling by train from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC usually takes 49 hours and 10 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
- Distance
- 746 mi (1200 km)
- Fastest train
- 49h 10m
- Lowest price
- TRY 15,909.05
- 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
Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceTRY 15,909.05 | Avg. PriceTRY 7,809.10Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration49h 10m | Duration37h 16mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC
Average train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC by travel date
Average train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC by month
Which train should you take from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC. 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 | 49h 10m | TRY 15,909.05 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC
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 Wilmington, NC to Chicago, IL. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC for TRY 3,852.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between Chicago, IL and Wilmington, NC is approximately 746 miles, or 1200 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 49 hours and 10 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)
746
Distance (km)
1200
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago, IL at 6:40pm and arrives in Wilmington, NC around 49 hours later.
First train
6:40pm
Last train
6:40pm
Trains from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, NC 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Friday
City Information
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.
Wilmington
A hidden jewel in the South, Wilmington has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent years, with some even going as far as calling it Hollywood East. To fully explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, take a stroll around the Historic District. Featuring not only quaint mansions but also interesting museums and superb eateries, the district offers a wealth of fascinating information about the city and its people. While walking around, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Riverwalk. As one of the most romantic spots in the city, it offers plenty of chances to take the perfect Instagram shot. If military history is your thing, Battleship North Carolina, which has now been turned into a museum, will be a satisfying experience.
For eats, one of the most-loved establishments is Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant, which offers a lovely mix of seafood and soul foods. Wine lovers should also not miss the chance to try a tasting session at the Noni Bacca Winery, a local favorite.
Wilmington transportation center is WAVE Forden Station Transit Center, which is located on Cando St. From the station, tourists can catch Greyhound buses. While there’s no rail service in and out of Wilmington, the city is part of the Amtrak network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Wilmington International Airport is the principal airport in the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago, IL?
Main departure 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, IL:
- Union Station
Where is the train station in Wilmington, NC?
Main arrival station: WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St
The Forden Station Transit Center is a hub for transportation services from Wilmington’s local Wave Transit buses as well as intercity bus service on Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway. The station was built in 1974 to improve public transportation in Wilmington and features aptly shaped wavy roofs atop sheltered sidewalks. Plenty of parking spots are available at the station, and if you’re up for a short walk, you can head to Costco around the corner for a $1.50 hot dog before your trip. The station is located a few miles north of downtown, about a 10-minute drive from Wilmington International Airport.
All train stations in Wilmington, NC:
- WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St
Need a return trip from Wilmington, NC to Chicago, IL?
Search Train Tickets
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.