The cheapest and fastest trains from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$274
Average price
$334
Fastest journey
1 d 13 h 11 m
Average duration
1 d 13 h 19 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1217 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL will cost around $334 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $274.
Of the 2 trains that leave Charleston, SC for Chicago, IL on Fri, Feb 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Feb 27 the direct trains cover the 1217 km distance in an average of 1 d 13 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 13 h 11 m .
On Fri, Feb 27 the slowest trains will take 1 d 13 h 26 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.




Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $123. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $123, and a train costs an average of $274.
Distance: 756 miles (1217 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$614 Average price | $237 Average price | $227 Average price Cheapest |
30h 8m Average total duration 29h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 24h 43m Average total duration 24h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Thursday, February 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian | 1:34 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 39h56 | 5:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 1:34 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 38h38 | 4:12 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:34 AM Charleston, SC | 37h11 | 2:45 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:34 AM Charleston, SC | 37h26 | 4:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Charleston, SC 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.
Feb 26
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Journey information
Overview: Train from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL
Trains from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 29h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $274 (€218) but you can travel from only $75 (€60) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 17:55, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 756 miles (1217 km) distance in 36h 11m.
Distance 756 miles (1217 km) |
Average train duration 29h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $274 (€218) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 36h 11m |
First train 17:55 |
Last train 21:34 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charleston, SC and Chicago, IL from $75 (€60). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charleston, SC 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL
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