The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Cheapest price
$170
Average price
$236
Fastest journey
23 h 5 m
Average duration
1 d 31 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1069 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA will cost around $236 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $170.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Philadelphia, PA on Sat, Mar 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 07 the direct trains cover the 1069 km distance in an average of 1 d 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 23 h 5 m .
On Sat, Mar 07 the slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 56 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.
50 Cardinal
48 Lake Shore Limited · 167 Northeast Regional
48 Lake Shore Limited · 167 Northeast Regional
50 CardinalTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $95. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 1.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $95, and a flight costs an average of $75.
Distance: 664 miles (1069 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$230 Average price | $319 Average price | $197 Average price Cheapest |
21h 8m Average total duration 20h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 23m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 38m Average total duration 20h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.2 - 6.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA trains for tomorrow, Saturday, March 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian | 12:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 19h19 | 7:59 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
41 Floridian · 146 Northeast Regional | 12:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 22h36 | 11:16 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
41 Floridian · 156 Northeast Regional | 12:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 20h52 | 9:32 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
41 Floridian · 168 Northeast Regional | 12:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 21h35 | 10:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:40 AM Chicago, IL | 22h32 | 11:12 PM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 167 Northeast Regional | 3:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 24h05 | 3:35 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA by train, bus, or flight
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.
Mar 07
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 20h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $97 (€78) but you can travel from only $75 (€61) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:37, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 664 miles (1069 km) distance in 19h 19m.
Distance 664 miles (1069 km) |
Average train duration 20h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 (€78) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 19h 19m |
First train 07:37 |
Last train 21:30 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Philadelphia, PA from $75 (€61). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
- 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
- 5:15 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via 30th Street and Market Street.
- Bridgewater's Pub
- The Porch at 30th Street Station
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
- Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
- The Study at University City
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Main Hall: entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
- Upper Level: Amtrak platforms
- Lower Level: SEPTA Regional Rail platforms
- SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line
- Trolley: Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
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