Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri, Nov 07
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Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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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.

Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
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Nov 09
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Nov 10
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Nov 11
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Nov 13

Journey information

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

USAUSA
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Icon of train
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 $204 (€166)
Distance
617 miles (994 km)
Average train duration
25h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
$255 (€208)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
25h 12m
First train
18:40
Last train
18:40

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL start from as low as $255 (€208) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $335 (€272) depending on the train type and class.
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 $204 (€166)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chapel Hill, NC and Chicago, IL from $204 (€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
$414 (€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
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.
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.
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.
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 train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL takes 25h 12m and runs 4 per day.
Train ticket prices from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $255 (€208), while the average price is around $335 (€272).
The distance by train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL is 617 miles (994 km).
The cheapest way to get from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $204 (€166).
The first train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:40 PM.
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 last train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:40 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL.
There is no direct train service currently available from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from Chapel Hill, NC to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available 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

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