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Chicago to Pittsburgh train

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Chicago - Pittsburgh Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Chicago to Pittsburgh. Traveling by train from Chicago to Pittsburgh usually takes 10 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can make the trip in 9 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance409 mi (659 km)
Fastest train9h 25m
Lowest price$74.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Capitol Limited
Train lines2

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Pittsburgh?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Pittsburgh was $97.20. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $90.13 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$180$120$60MarApr

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Pittsburgh will cost between $74 and $167. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

$300$240$180$120$60AMJJASONDJFM
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Pittsburgh 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 $137. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Pittsburgh during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $278 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$275$220$165$110$553020100

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Pittsburgh on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $90.13 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Pittsburgh?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Pittsburgh. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak33d 3h 16m$324.80
Amtrak Capitol Limited19h 25m$120.04
  • 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 Chicago to Pittsburgh every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $274.

  • Passing through seven states, 16 cities, and various National Parks, Amtrak Capitol Limited connects Washington D.C. and Chicago, on 750 miles of railroad. Taking over 17 hours for a complete trip, these trains offer various overnight accommodations and feature panoramic observation cars where passengers can enjoy exceptional scenery. The trains include various options for food; however, WiFi connectivity is not available onboard due to the rural nature of the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking for a cheap option that offers relative comfort, the train is the best way to travel from Chicago to Pittsburgh. Tickets on the Amtrak Capitol Limited average about $90.86, with an average trip time of 9 hours and 26 minutes. Flights from Chicago to Pittsburgh only take about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but tickets start at $211. It’s possible to find bus tickets as cheap as $27 for this route, but the average price is closer to $70 and will take you 12 hours and 15 minutes to get there.

As an added bonus. Amtrak’s service from Chicago to Pittsburgh departs at 6:00 p.m., meaning you can travel overnight and wake up in Pittsburgh the following morning.

The Amtrak Capitol Limited makes 8 stops between Chicago and Pittsburgh, all of them in Indiana and Ohio. In Indiana, the train will stop in South Bend, Elkhart and Waterloo. In Ohio, the train stops in Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland and Alliance.
The train from Chicago to Pittsburgh does have food for purchase in the Capitol Limited Café car. Menu items include everything from coffee to bottled water, sandwiches, snacks, and even alcoholic beverages for travelers 21 and older.
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Pittsburgh. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Chicago and Pittsburgh is approximately 409 miles, or 659 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 25 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 Chicago to Pittsburgh are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Chicago at 5:00am and arrives in Pittsburgh around 9 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Pittsburgh with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Pittsburgh to Chicago.

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.

Pittsburgh

Once the epitome of American industrial power, Pittsburgh has recently seen new waves of changes that turn it into a vibrant destination for visitors, especially for families. When in Pittsburgh, don’t miss out on the chance to hop on the Duquesne Incline and get to the top of Mount Washington. You will be rewarded with a panoramic view of where the three rivers collide, which offers plenty of excellent photogenic angles. Culturally-inclined travelers will find the Senator John Heinz History Center the perfect place to spend a day in. It does not just offer exhibitions on the city’s history but also on its baseball and football legacies, as well as Heinz products. Whether you are a sports fan or not, it is worthwhile to check out the Heinz Field, which provides a unique waterfront view.

Pittsburgh’s staple is pierogies, and some of the highest-rated eateries that include the dish on their menu are Pierogies Plus and Penn Brewery. These establishments serve other Eastern European dishes for your enjoyment as well. For traditional American eats, Eleven has an excellent selection.

Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, and Fullington Trailways all provide intercity transit service to Pittsburgh, and visitors can catch their buses at the Grant Street Transportation Center. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the nearby Pittsburgh Union Station. The main airport of the city is the Pittsburgh International Airport, which is located 10 miles west of Downtown. Another alternative is the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, 44 miles east of the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

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Main departure 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

  • Pacific Central Station

  • 10251 St Edwards Dr

Where is the train station in Pittsburgh?

1100 Liberty Ave  - PGHAMT-0

Image credit: David Brossard

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1100 Liberty Ave  - PGHAMT-1

Image credit: Barta IV

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1100 Liberty Ave  - PGHAMT-2

Image credit: Luke H. Gordon

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Main arrival station: 1100 Liberty Ave

Pittsburgh’s Union Station on Liberty Ave is a historic building that opened in 1903. Enter the station through enormous outdoor arches and pass beneath the spectacular rotunda dome with a central skylight. Once inside, you can catch the Capitol Limited train on its daily service from Chicago to DC or hop aboard the Pennsylvanian as it begins the journey to New York. Located in Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle, the station offers easy access to the nearby bus terminal, parking, restaurants, and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

All train stations in Pittsburgh:

  • 1100 Liberty Ave

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