Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Wed, Dec 17
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Dec 17

Cheapest price

$422

Average price

$422

Fastest journey

1 d 1 h 21 m

Average duration

1 d 1 h 21 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

994 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL will cost around $422 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $422.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Chapel Hill, NC for Chicago, IL on Wed, Dec 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Dec 17 the direct trains cover the 994 km distance in an average of 1 d 1 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 1 h 21 m .

On Wed, Dec 17 the slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 21 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
12:24PM25h21
Chapel Hill, NC
01:45PMChicago, IL
$4221One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €166. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €166, and a flight costs an average of €271.

Distance: 617 miles (994 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€272

Average price

€281

Average price

€215

Average price

Cheapest

25h 31m

Average total duration

25h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 8m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 8m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

26h 43m

Average total duration

26h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23

Why should you book Chapel Hill to Chicago trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Chapel Hill to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chapel Hill to Chicago.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chapel Hill to Chicago.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 25h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $260 (€208) but you can travel from only $208 (€166) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 18:40, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 617 miles (994 km) distance in 25h 12m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $208 (€166)
Distance
617 miles (994 km)
Average train duration
25h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
$260 (€208)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
25h 12m
First train
18:40
Last train
18:40
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $208 (€166)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chapel Hill, NC and Chicago, IL from $208 (€166). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
25h 21m
Cheapest Price
$422 (€337)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chapel Hill, NC to 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, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A day trip from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 25h 12m and the distance is 617 miles (994 km). There are 4 trains per day.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
The distance by train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL is 617 miles (994 km).
Train ticket prices from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $260 (€208), while the average price is around $341 (€272).
The train journey from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL offers some scenic views, particularly as it travels through the rolling hills and lush landscapes of North Carolina and Virginia. However, much of the route passes through urban and suburban areas, which may not be as visually striking.
The train station in Chapel Hill, NC that goes to Chicago, IL is Cary Station, Cary, NC, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $208 (€166).
The train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL takes 25h 12m and runs 4 per day.
The last train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:40 PM.
The first train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:40 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL.
There is no high speed train available from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL

Chapel Hill
Chicago
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

Most popular train connections from Chapel Hill, NC

More options for your journey from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, ILChapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone