- Must visit
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the leading art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark Beaux-Arts building.
Cheapest price
$297
Average price
$431
Fastest journey
21 h 3 m
Average duration
21 h 23 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
1067 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL will cost around $431 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $297.
It's difficult to get from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
119 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
40 Floridian+
2155 NextGen Acela
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian
119 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
40 Floridian+
2155 NextGen Acela
95 Northeast Regional · 40 FloridianOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $74. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $74, and a train costs an average of $117.
Distance: 663 miles (1067 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$250 Average price | $134 Average price Cheapest | $215 Average price | $293 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 3m Average total duration 21h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 49m Average total duration 24h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 12m Average total duration Fastest 7h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL:
A bus is $81 (€66) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL costing on average $215 (€177).
A bus is $115 (€94) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL costing on average $250 (€205).
Other travel options to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 21h 33m.
Bus takes on average 24h 19m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian | 12:01 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 21h44 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
40 Floridian+ 2155 NextGen Acela | 12:13 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 21h32 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
119 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian | 12:33 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 21h12 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian | 12:42 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 21h03 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 21h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $117 (€96) but you can travel from only $64 (€53) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 12:15, the last at 18:20. The fastest train covers the 663 miles (1067 km) distance in 21h 3m.
Distance 663 miles (1067 km) |
Average train duration 21h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $117 (€96) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 21h 3m |
First train 12:15 PM |
Last train 6:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the leading art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark Beaux-Arts building.
A major natural history museum with renowned dinosaur, anthropology, and science collections, including SUE the T. rex.
A world-famous aquarium on Museum Campus with extensive marine life exhibits and strong family appeal.
A central downtown park known for public art, events, gardens, and easy access to several of Chicago’s best-known sights.
Chicago’s most famous avenue for architecture, shopping, and skyline views, stretching along North Michigan Avenue.
A highly popular waterfront promenade with river views, bridges, architecture highlights, and an easy downtown walking route.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic Chicago street food.
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is one of Chicago's signature sandwiches.
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago's most famous dishes.
Celebrated West Loop restaurant serving bold shared plates in a lively modern space, popular for a memorable Chicago meal.
Historic diner near Union Station known for hearty breakfasts, classic American comfort food, and old-school Chicago atmosphere.
Long-running German-American restaurant in the Loop, known for beer, schnitzel, sausages, and a classic downtown dining room.
Food and drinks near the station are moderate for a major US city; fast food is affordable, while sit-down dining costs more.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; round up or tip 10-15% for taxis; small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Chicago Union Station -> The Loop, Chicago
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL trains use the 30th Street Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA and Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
30th Street Station is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
30th Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Bridgewater's Pub, The Porch at 30th Street Station
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at 30th Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at 30th Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at 30th Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at 30th Street Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at 30th Street Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel, Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel, The Study at University City.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.