Cheap train tickets from New York to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from New York to Chicago. Traveling by train from New York to Chicago usually takes 23 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can make the trip in 19 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 711 mi (1144 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 32m |
| Lowest price | $149.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
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New York to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from New York to Chicago?
There are usually 69 daily bus trips available from New York to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$376.30 | Avg. Price$199.47Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips69 |
Duration | Duration23h 13mFaster | Duration25h 32m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from New York to Chicago (Based on 16 ratings and reviews)
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New York to Chicago Route Map
There are several train options that can take you from New York to Chicago:
- Amtrak: 3 daily trains from $149
- Amtrak Lake Shore Limited: 1 daily train from $149
- Amtrak Cardinal: 1 daily train from $149
What is the price of a train ticket from New York to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from New York to Chicago was $217.68. Considering the distance between New York and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $422.86 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from New York to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from New York to Chicago will cost between $154 and $306. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from New York to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from New York to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $209. If you're thinking of traveling from New York to Chicago during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $304 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from New York to Chicago on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $422.86 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from New York to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from New York to Chicago, including Amtrak, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 23h 36m | $307.85 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 1 | 19h 32m | $538.16 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 28h 46m | $467.34 |
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 New York to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $149.
The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is an overnight train that runs along some of the best shorelines in the U.S., connecting New York City and Boston with Chicago. The service provides top-tier amenities to its passengers, including free WiFi and dining onboard. The Lake Shore Limited departs from NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 19 hours and 32 minutes and ticket prices start at $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 New York to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 28 hours and 46 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from New York to Chicago
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from New York to Chicago. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to New York. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from New York to Chicago for $70.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between New York and Chicago is approximately 711 miles, or 1144 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 32 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)
711
DISTANCE (KM)
1144
The earliest train departs New York at 6:02am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:40pm. 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
6:02am
LATEST TRAIN
3:40pm
Trains from New York to Chicago are the most crowded on Friday. 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 CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
City Information
New York
New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world for a reason – it offers numerous opportunities for a great time to visitors of all ages and interests. For the culturally inclined travelers, the city boasts a unique collection of world-famous museums, as well as the chance to see the best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer, or check out the latest production at the Metropolitan Opera. If sightseeing is your cardio, NYC is the place to be – just by walking around town, you can visit such iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Or hop on a ferry to Ellis Island to meet the Statue of Liberty up-close and personal.
NYC’s five boroughs feature more than 1,700 parks, including the gorgeous Central Park, making it one of the best cities for outdoor activities in the country. As for the nightlife, there’s no argument that New York City is the biggest party hub in the U.S.
With three major bus and train stations in Manhattan alone – Port Authority, Grand Central & Penn Station – and three nearby airports, NYC is one of the predominant travel hubs in the world. If you are ever looking to get out of town, NYC is centrally connected throughout the state and region, you can easily hop on a train to Albany to go explore upstate New York.
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 New York?
Main departure station: NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
Pennsylvania Station, or just Penn Station, is the main train station in New York City. All Amtrak trains to and from NYC use Penn Station as their only train stop in Manhattan. Penn Station offers easy connections to various other types of transportation, including commuter rail (the Long Island Rail Road and the NJ Transit both operate out of Penn Station), airport transit, and six lines of the NYC Subway, making it the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the heart of Manhattan, right by the world-famous Madison Square Garden, Penn Station is close to various points of interest such as Times Square and the Empire State Building, as well as many restaurants and retail stores.
All train stations in New York:
- NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn 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 New York?
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