The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC
Cheapest price
$269
Average price
$294
Fastest journey
2 d 2 h 15 m
Average duration
2 d 2 h 15 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1189 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC will cost around $294 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $269.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Jacksonville, NC on Thu, Jul 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 23 the direct trains cover the 1189 km distance in an average of 2 d 2 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 2 h 15 m .
On Thu, Jul 23 the slowest trains will take 2 d 2 h 15 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.
11:55 PM50h15Chicago, IL2:10 AMJacksonville, NC$2691One-way0 transfers
10:55 PM50h15Chicago, IL1:10 AMJacksonville, NC$3181One-way0 transfers
11:55 PM50h15Chicago, IL2:10 AMJacksonville, NC$2691One-way0 transfers
10:55 PM50h15Chicago, IL1:10 AMJacksonville, NC$3181One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $105. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 30h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $105, and a train costs an average of $235.
Distance: 738 miles (1189 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$315 Average price | $170 Average price Cheapest | $146 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
50h 30m Average total duration 50h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 50m Average total duration Fastest 30h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC:
A bus is $144 (€144) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC costing on average $315 (€315).
Other travel options to Jacksonville, NC take longer:
Train takes on average 50h 0m.
Tickets start at around $315 (€315) compared to roughly $146 (€146) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-168.64 (€-168.64). The journey takes 50h 0m versus 14h 18m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Jul 23
Jul 24
Jul 25
Jul 26
Jul 27
Jul 28
Jul 29
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC
Trains from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 50h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $235 (€235) but you can travel from only $105 (€105) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 10:35, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 738 miles (1189 km) distance in 49h 30m.
Distance 738 miles (1189 km) |
Average train duration 50h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $235 (€235) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 49h 30m |
First train 10:35 AM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC 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 Jacksonville, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC
Most Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC trains use the Union Station to Swansboro station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Jacksonville, NC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Jacksonville, NC leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, NC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
