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Cheap train tickets from Raleigh to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Raleigh to Chicago. Traveling by train from Raleigh to Chicago usually takes 32 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 24 hours and 28 minutes.
- Distance
- 641 mi (1032 km)
- Fastest train
- 24h 28m
- Lowest price
- $174.00
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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Raleigh to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Raleigh to Chicago?
There are usually 10 daily bus trips available from Raleigh to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$273.55 | Avg. Price$193.39Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips10 |
Duration | Duration32h 57m | Duration30h 38mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Raleigh to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Chicago was $209.33. Considering the distance between Raleigh and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $110.08 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Raleigh to Chicago will cost between $190 and $263. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Raleigh 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 $196. If you're thinking of traveling from Raleigh to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $279 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 Raleigh to Chicago on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about $110.08 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Raleigh to Chicago?
2 train services operate from Raleigh to Chicago. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 38h 56m | $289.32 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 24h 28m | $251.21 |
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 Raleigh to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $176.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Raleigh to Chicago start from $174, and on average cost $251.21. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Floridian in Raleigh leaves from Union Station. And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station.
From Raleigh to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 24 hours and 28 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Chicago on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $174 for a one-way weekend reservation from Raleigh.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Raleigh to Chicago
Trains leave the station in Raleigh twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Chicago faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Raleigh. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Raleigh to Chicago for $99.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
The distance between Raleigh and Chicago is approximately 641 miles, or 1032 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 32 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 24 hours and 28 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)
641
Distance (km)
1032
The earliest train departs Raleigh at 9:17am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:15pm. 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
9:17am
Last train
7:15pm
Trains from Raleigh to Chicago are the most crowded on Saturday. 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.
Busiest
Saturday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Raleigh
As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.
Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.
Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.
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 is the train station in Raleigh?
Main departure station: Union Station
The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.
All train stations in Raleigh:
- Union Station
Where is the train station 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 Raleigh?
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