Cheap train tickets from Scranton to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Scranton to Chicago. Traveling by train from Scranton to Chicago usually takes 28 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 27 hours and 45 minutes.
- Distance
- 618 mi (995 km)
- Fastest train
- 27h 45m
- Lowest price
- NOK 2,318.01
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Scranton to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Scranton to Chicago?
There are usually 7 daily bus trips available from Scranton to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceNOK 2,929.15 | Avg. PriceNOK 1,449.71Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips7 |
Duration | Duration28h 43m | Duration26h 31mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Scranton to Chicago:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from Scranton to Chicago
Average train ticket prices from Scranton to Chicago by travel date
Average train ticket prices from Scranton to Chicago by month
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Scranton to Chicago?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Scranton to Chicago. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 28h 43m | NOK 2,929.18 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Scranton to Chicago
There are 3 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 Scranton. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Scranton to Chicago for NOK 959.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
0
The distance between Scranton and Chicago is approximately 618 miles, or 995 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 28 hours and 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 27 hours and 45 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)
618
Distance (km)
995
The earliest train departs Scranton at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00am. 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
6:00am
Last train
6:00am
Trains from Scranton to Chicago are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Thursday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
Scranton
You might know Scranton from the award-winning documentary that took place there, The Office. But Scranton is much more than paper and beet farms.
The Steamtown National Historic Site is a little museum dedicated to steam engines and their role in the economy of the United States throughout the nineteenth century. The Anthracite Heritage Museum engages a wide range of audiences by interpreting, collecting, and presenting the story of hard coal mining, allied industries, northern Pennsylvania's historic immigrant culture, and the evolution of the region's culture. Scranton is also known for its handcrafted smoked and cured meats, including their unique smoked kielbasa blend of pork and beef.
Scranton Bus Terminal is the city's main bus and train station, which services all sorts of carriers. Popular bus routes to Scranton come from New York, Seattle, and Kingston. Amtrak trains, meanwhile, are available from Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Seabrook, and more.
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 Scranton?
Main departure station: Lackawanna Transit Center
There is one train station in Scranton.
All train stations in Scranton:
- Lackawanna Transit Center
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 Scranton?
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