Cheap train tickets from Chicago to New York
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Chicago to New York. Traveling by train from Chicago to New York usually takes 22 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can make the trip in 20 hours and 12 minutes.
- Distance
- 711 mi (1144 km)
- Fastest train
- 20h 12m
- Lowest price
- CHF 81.64
- Trains per day
- 7
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 3
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Chicago to New York Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to New York?
There are usually 96 daily bus trips available from Chicago to New York.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 244.81 | Avg. PriceCHF 149.90Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips96 |
Duration | Duration22h 20mFaster | Duration27h 9m |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to New York (Based on 19 ratings and reviews)
4.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
Chicago to New York Route Map

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to New York:
- Amtrak tickets: CHF 104 one-way
- Amtrak Cardinal tickets: CHF 95 one-way
- Amtrak Lake Shore Limited tickets: CHF 80 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to New York?
In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to New York cost about CHF 199 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Chicago and New York, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 169.20 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to New York by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to New York will cost between CHF 122 and CHF 440. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to New York by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to New York often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only CHF 171. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to New York during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 246 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 Chicago to New York on Wanderu at least 9 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 169.20 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to New York?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to New York. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 5 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 22h 21m | CHF 229.78 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 27h 32m | CHF 313.37 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 1 | 20h 14m | CHF 295.54 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Chicago to New York every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 104.13.










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 is usually 1 Cardinal trip from Chicago to New York per day, with an average trip length of 1 day, 3 hours, and 32 minutes.
The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is an overnight train that runs along some of the best shorelines in the U.S., connecting New York City and Boston with Chicago. The service provides top-tier amenities to its passengers, including free WiFi and dining onboard. The Lake Shore Limited departs from Union Station in Chicago and arrives at NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York. The route takes about 20 hours and 14 minutes and ticket prices start at CHF 79.97.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to New York
There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to New York. 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 New York to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to New York for CHF 62.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
The distance between Chicago and New York is approximately 711 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 12 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)
711
Distance (km)
1144
The earliest train departs Chicago at 5:35 PM while the last train of the day leaves at 9:30 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
5:35pm
Last train
9:30pm
Trains from Chicago to New York 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Monday
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.
New York



New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world for a reason – it offers numerous opportunities for a great time to visitors of all ages and interests. For the culturally inclined travelers, the city boasts a unique collection of world-famous museums, as well as the chance to see the best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer, or check out the latest production at the Metropolitan Opera. If sightseeing is your cardio, NYC is the place to be – just by walking around town, you can visit such iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Or hop on a ferry to Liberty Island to meet the Statue of Liberty up-close and personal.
NYC’s five boroughs feature more than 1,700 parks, including the gorgeous Central Park, making it one of the best cities for outdoor activities in the country. As for the nightlife, there’s no argument that New York City is the biggest party hub in the U.S.
With three major bus and train stations in Manhattan alone – Port Authority, Grand Central & Penn Station – and three nearby airports, NYC is one of the predominant travel hubs in the world. If you are ever looking to get out of town, NYC is centrally connected throughout the state and region, you can easily hop on a train to Albany to go explore upstate New York.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
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:
- Union Station
Where is the train station in New York?
Main arrival station: Penn Station

Pennsylvania Station, or just Penn Station, is the main train station in New York City. All Amtrak trains to and from NYC use Penn Station as their only train stop in Manhattan. Penn Station offers easy connections to various other types of transportation, including commuter rail (the Long Island Rail Road and the NJ Transit both operate out of Penn Station), airport transit, and six lines of the NYC Subway, making it the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the heart of Manhattan, right by the world-famous Madison Square Garden, Penn Station is close to various points of interest such as Times Square and the Empire State Building, as well as many restaurants and retail stores.
All train stations in New York:
- NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
Need a return trip from New York to Chicago?
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