Cheap train tickets from Durham to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Durham to Chicago. Traveling by train from Durham to Chicago usually takes 38 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 37 hours and 42 minutes.
| Distance | 620 mi (998 km) |
| Fastest train | 37h 42m |
| Lowest price | $212.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Durham to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Durham to Chicago?
There are usually 11 daily bus trips available from Durham to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$336.50 | Avg. Price$223.93Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips11 |
Duration | Duration38h 5m | Duration27h 7mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Durham to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Durham to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Durham to Chicago was $259.00. Considering the distance between Durham and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 10 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $139.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Durham to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Durham to Chicago will cost between $181 and $255. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Durham to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Durham 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 $238. If you're thinking of traveling from Durham to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $314 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
By booking your train trip from Durham to Chicago on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time, you can save about $139.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Durham to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Durham 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 | 38h 5m | $336.50 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Durham to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $212.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Durham 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 Durham. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Durham to Chicago for $113.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Durham and Chicago is approximately 620 miles, or 998 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 38 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 37 hours and 42 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)
620
DISTANCE (KM)
998
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Durham at 7:58pm and arrives in Chicago around 37 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:58pm
LATEST TRAIN
8:03pm
Trains from Durham to Chicago are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Durham
Durham is a little treasure cove for all fans of history and the United States’ heritage. The first and foremost thing you should try out is go on a hike on one of the city’s iconic trails. For a more traditional hiking experience, try the Eno River Trail. If you wish to enjoy a more unique experience, the American Tobacco Trail will be a better choice, as it follows the old CSX railroad. For those who want to explore the city’s rich history, check out the Stagville Plantation, which is now a museum dedicated to the city’s antebellum history, offering a unique historical perspective.
Durham’s food scene is vibrant and exciting. Fans of seafood will definitely be amazed at how fresh and delicious the seafood at Mateo Bar de Tapas is. If you wish to try out Italian eats with a twist, check out Devil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant.
The main bus station is the Transportation Center located at 515 W Pettigrew St in Downtown Durham. From there, you can take a bus to New York, Richmond, Washington D.C., and dozens of other destinations across the country. The main Amtrak train station in Durham is located around the corner from the bus stop at 601 W Main St. Durham is served by Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont lines. The city’s air services are handled by the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 12 miles southeast of the city.
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 Durham?
Main departure station: 601 W Main St
In Durham, Amtrak’s train station is at 601 W Main St, in a historic brick warehouse originally constructed in 1897. The Carolinian line from Charlotte to New York and the Piedmont line from Charlotte to Raleigh both stop at this station in Durham. Inside the station, passengers are greeted by high ceilings (this was once a warehouse, after all!) and can find restrooms, long benches for seating, and Amtrak staff. The same building also hosts an Italian restaurant and pool hall around the corner, and several more restaurants are within a one-block walk. You can even check out the Museum of Durham History on Main St, too. The Durham Amtrak station is located in the city center, close to Duke University and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
All train stations in Durham:
- 601 W Main St
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 Durham?
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