Train Chicago, IL - New York, NY prices from $88.27

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$88.27

Chicago, IL to New York, NY by train

The journey from Chicago, IL to New York, NY by train is 712.79 mi and takes 19 hr 55 min. There are 1 connections per day, with the first departure at 6:10 AM and the last at 9:30 PM. It is possible to travel from Chicago, IL to New York, NY by train for as little as $88.27 or as much as $1,602.14. The best price for this journey is $88.27.

Lowest Price$88.27
Journey Duration19 hr 55 min
Connection per Day1
Lowest Price$88.27
Highest Price$1,602.14
First Departure6:10 AM
Last Departure9:30 PM
Distance712.79 mi
DepartureChicago, IL
ArrivalNew York, NY
CarriersJetBlue Airways, Amtrak

Chicago, IL to New York, NY Train Times

Departure date
Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024

Travel from Chicago, IL, to New York, NY, by train

The train ride from Chicago, IL, to New York, NY, lasts on average 19 hr 55 min. Around 1 trains depart a day between Chicago and New York, the average price is $171.21 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $88.27.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S., operates the train from New York to Chicago. Two services directly connect Chicago to New York: Lakeshore Limited and the Cardinal. Even though they are both Viewliner trains in the same price range, the Lakeshore limited is a better choice because it is faster and operates daily, unlike the Cardinal, which runs three times a week. Besides these two services, you always have the option to change trains in Washington and Philadelphia which add about three hours to your journey.

Here are the fundamental differences between the Lakeshore limited and the Cardinal.

The Lakeshore Limited is the train route between Chicago and New York. It passes through Cleveland, South Bend, and Buffalo, along some of the most stunning shorelines of the USA. The name refers to the route following the Mohawk River, the Erie Canal, and the south shore of Lake Michigan. The scenery along the famous Native American Highway, as it is also called, is truly spectacular. It stops in 22 cities, and its estimated journey time is about 19 hours. It leaves New York once a day, every day. It is a Viewliner train with sleeper cars and a café on board.

The Cardinal is named after the state bird of all six states it passes through: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and New York. It only operates thrice a week, typically leaves Chicago in the early afternoon, and arrives in New York the following day after approximately 27 hours and 36 stops. The train passes through scenic areas, such as the Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River Valley, offering passengers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Amtrak offers three sleeping options on both the Cardinal and the Lakeshore Limited.

  1. The Roomette is, at first glance, a tiny room, but it is very well-used. Different innovative storage options will surprise you at every step. They start with two comfortable recliner seats, which turn into a bed, and a second bunk bed that you pull from the ceiling, making enough space for two people to sleep and have a great view. The older Viewliner cars have a toilet and a sink in the room (one of the surprises under the steps to the upper bunk), which can be tricky if there are two people. The newer cars have toilets and bathrooms in the hallway.
  2. The Bedroom is twice as big, with a big comfy queen bed and a bathroom in the room (separated by a door). It has all the amenities of the Roomette with more space and a higher price. 
  3. The Two-Room Suite on a train offers twice the space of a regular Bedroom accommodation. During the day, the suite features two sofas and separate chairs for seating; at night, these furnishings convert into upper and lower beds, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements. It includes two in-room sinks, restrooms, and showers.

If you opt for the sleeping car, you must book the entire unit, alone or with someone. Also, the coach has comfortable reclining seats, perfect for getting some shut-eye, so give it a chance.

The Café car is available for all passengers during the day, while the Sleepers Lounge is open only for sleeping passengers. Both offer meals, snacks, and beverages, and the sleepers have all three meals included in the ticket price.

Chicago Union Station is a bustling one of the biggest U.S. transportation hubs, ranking as the third busiest train station in the United States. It is a gateway to 15 Amtrak train lines, connecting travelers to nationwide destinations. Union Station also provides access to bus carriers such as Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Jefferson Lines and connections to Metra commuter lines. Conveniently located in downtown Chicago and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is within walking distance to the nearest Chicago L lines. It offers numerous amenities and services, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

You will end your journey at New York's Penn Station's newest addition - Moynihan Train Hall. Recently opened in 2021, the new transportation facility and architectural marvel is situated across 8th Avenue from Penn Station. Fun fact or a warning: Penn Station is the busiest train station in the western hemisphere, so be prepared to find your new terminal in time.

So if you plan to travel by train from Chicago to New York, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between New York and Chicago.

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Compare prices and tickets from Chicago, IL to New York, NY

Cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to New York, NY
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to New York, NY.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Chicago, IL to New York, NY, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Chicago, IL to New York, NY.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Best time to book Chicago, IL to New York, NY travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $99.56 to $234.01 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 57% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to New York, NY

The cheapest Chicago, IL - New York, NY train tickets can be found for as low as $77.28 if you’re lucky, or $102.84 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $164.32.

Find the best day to travel to New York, NY by train

When travelling to New York, NY by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Chicago, IL to New York, NY
Compare services on board when travelling from Chicago, IL to New York, NY by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Chicago, IL to New York, NY CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
80.3kg
Bus
86.03kg
Flight
229.42kg
Car
183.54kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Chicago, IL to New York, NY by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Chicago, IL and New York, NY are 80.3kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Chicago, IL and New York, NY? By taking the train between Chicago, IL and New York, NY you will save 149.12kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 5.73kg compared to a bus and 103.24kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Chicago, IL to New York, NY?
A train ticket from Chicago, IL to New York, NY is $171.21. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $88.27.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Chicago, IL to New York, NY?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Chicago, IL to New York, NY is $88.27. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Chicago, IL and New York, NY by train?
Chicago, IL to New York, NY is 712.79 mi.
How long does the train between Chicago, IL and New York, NY take?
Chicago, IL to New York, NY is on average 19 hr 55 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 5 hr 49 min.
Which companies operate from Chicago, IL to New York, NY?
The train journey from Chicago, IL to New York, NY is covered by 1 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: JetBlue Airways and Amtrak.
How many train connections per day go from Chicago, IL to New York, NY?
Chicago, IL to New York, NY has 1 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Chicago, IL to New York, NY leave?
The earliest train from Chicago, IL to New York, NY departs at 6:10 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Chicago, IL to New York, NY depart?
The latest train from Chicago, IL to New York, NY departs at 9:30 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Chicago, IL to New York, NY in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $88.27 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
From which stations can I leave from Chicago, IL to New York, NY?
There are 4 station(s) that you can depart from Chicago, IL to go to New York, NY. You can go from O'Hare International Airport, Union Station, Chicago Midway International Airport and Chicago/Rockford International Airport and you can arrive at LaGuardia Airport, New York Port Authority Bus Station, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Penn Station and Newark Airport Amtrak.
How many direct connections depart from Chicago, IL to New York, NY?
There are on average 1 direct connection(s) from Chicago, IL to go to New York, NY.
What's the fastest journey time between Chicago, IL to New York, NY by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Chicago, IL and New York, NY is 5 hr 49 min.
Is there a direct train from Chicago, IL to New York, NY?
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and New York, NY.
What are the CO2 emissions for Chicago, IL to New York, NY by train?
The train journey from Chicago, IL to New York, NY creates 80.3kg of CO2 emissions.

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