Cheap train tickets from Newark to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Newark to Chicago. Traveling by train from Newark to Chicago usually takes 22 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 20 hours and 43 minutes.
| Distance | 702 mi (1130 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 43m |
| Lowest price | $168.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Newark to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Newark to Chicago?
There are usually 11 daily bus trips available from Newark to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$281.12 | Avg. Price$174.37Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips11 |
Duration | Duration22h 56m | Duration21h 26mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Newark to Chicago (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Newark to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Newark to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Newark to Chicago was $219.37. Considering the distance between Newark and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $176.71 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Newark to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Newark to Chicago will cost between $172 and $329. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Newark to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Newark 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 $206. If you're thinking of traveling from Newark to Chicago during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $295 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 Newark to Chicago on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $176.71 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Newark to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Newark to Chicago, including Amtrak, Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 22h 29m | $273.76 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 28h 24m | $372.46 |
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 Newark to Chicago every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $149.
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 are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Newark to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 28 hours and 24 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Newark to Chicago
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Newark. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Newark to Chicago for $80.
TRIPS PER DAY
5
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Newark and Chicago is approximately 702 miles, or 1130 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 43 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)
702
DISTANCE (KM)
1130
The earliest train departs Newark at 6:19am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:29pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:19am
LATEST TRAIN
2:29pm
Trains from Newark to Chicago 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.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
Newark
As the most populous city in New Jersey, Newark offers some excellent museums, parks and restaurants that you can enjoy year-round. Art lovers should stop by the famous Newark Museum to enjoy a rich collection of works by American artists and sculptors. History buffs should check out the New Jersey Historical Society for ongoing exhibitions documenting the state’s rich history.
Located by the Passaic River, Newark offers various places where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll by the water. For the best views, head over to the city’s Riverfront Park near the hip Ironbound neighborhood. If you’re seeking more outdoor enjoyment, check out Branch Brook Park where you will find various lakes and plenty of cherry blossoms.
Newark is one of the biggest travel hubs in the United States, which makes it very easily accessible via all types of transportation. The Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the three airports that serves the New York City metro area, and its close proximity to Newark’s Penn Station makes it easy to reach from anywhere via bus or train.
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 Newark?
Main departure station: Newark Penn Station
Not to be confused with the Penn Station in New York City just 10 miles away, Newark’s Penn Station is a vital regional transportation hub which serves the greater New York City and New Jersey area. Located a few blocks East of the central business district in Newark, Penn Station opened in 1935, when its Art Deco architecture was at the height of fashion - see if you can spot the Zodiac signs decorating the chandeliers! Travelers can access Amtrak intercity passenger trains running on the busy Northeast Corridor between Washington D.C. and Boston, as well as intercity buses like Greyhound and Fullington Trailways. Local transit available at Penn Station includes Newark Light Rail, Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rapid transit linking Newark to Manhattan, and NJ Transit commuter trains serving coastal and central New Jersey.
All train stations in Newark:
- Newark Penn Station
- Newark Liberty International Airport, AirTrain Station
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 Newark?
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