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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Rockford to Fayetteville. Traveling by train from Rockford to Fayetteville usually takes 34 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 33 hours and 27 minutes.
| Distance | 742 mi (1195 km) |
| Fastest train | 33h 27m |
| Lowest price | $218.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Rockford to Fayetteville?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Rockford to Fayetteville. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 10h 12m | $240.50 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Rockford to Fayetteville every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $218.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Rockford and Fayetteville is approximately 742 miles, or 1195 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 34 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 33 hours and 27 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Rockford to Fayetteville. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Rockford at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Rockford twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Fayetteville to Rockford.
City Information
Rockford
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.
Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.
Fayetteville
Image credit: jalexartis Photography
Link to image attribution
Image credit: City of Fayetteville
Link to image attribution
Image credit: jalexartis Photography
Link to image attributionFayetteville is a charming North Carolina city with much to discover. Military history is prominent in Fayetteville, since it’s the home of Fort Bragg, the largest military base in the world. It’s also where Babe Ruth gained the moniker "Babe" when he made his first home run as a professional athlete.
A trip to Fayetteville is sure to be a home run for you, too. The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is a popular attraction, filled with extensive exhibits about United States military history. The North Carolina Civil War & Reconstruction History Center and the nearby Arsenal Park provide a deeper dive into the Civil War era.
Stop and smell the flowers at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, a gorgeous showcase of more than 2,000 plants, or hike along the Cape Fear River Trail.
Limited flights are available through Fayetteville Regional Airport, but you can travel to more cities from Raleigh Durham International Airport, about 60 miles away. Taking the train is convenient because of its direct service to Fayetteville on Amtrak's Silver Service or the Amtrak Palmetto. Plus, several national and regional bus carriers run routes to and from Fayetteville, including Greyhound, FlixBus US, Southeastern Stages, and Wanda Coach.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Rockford?
Main departure station: Van Galder Bus Office
The Van Galder Bus Office is located just off Interstate 51 in Rockford, Illinois. Although the bus stop doesn't have much in terms of amenities, it's in a resting area for road trips and buses. Grab coffee at the Starbucks, food at Burger King, or stay overnight in the Garden Inn just across the street. The terminal, which is operated by Van Galder Buses, services buses that run between Rockford and Madison, as well as Chicago O'Hare Airport and Union Station in downtown Chicago. Within the station building, there's a waiting room for you to enjoy your latte or burger, and a ticket kiosk if you have any questions about your trip.
All train stations in Rockford:
Van Galder Bus Office
Where is the train station in Fayetteville?
Image credit: jalexartis Photography
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 472 Hay St
Fayetteville's main railway station is in the Fayetteville Downtown Historic District, and the building itself is on the list of North Carolina's Registered Historic Places. The station serves two Amtrak lines, namely Palmetto, which travels between New York and Savannah, and Silver Service, which travels from New York to Miami. Within the station, you can find a ticket office, waiting area, information desk, and a Subway restaurant, and there is also parking directly behind the station. Outside the station, there are no amenities in the immediate vicinity, but multiple restaurants and local hotels are a short distance away.
All train stations in Fayetteville:
472 Hay St
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