- Recommended
Crailo State Historic Site
State historic house museum exploring early Dutch settlement, trade, and daily life along the upper Hudson.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
CHF163
Average ticket price on Sep 20
CHF163
Fastest journey on Sep 20
16 h 23 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
16 h 23 m
Trains on Sep 20
1
Distance
1147 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY 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 Rensselaer, NY will cost around CHF163 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF163.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 1147 km distance in an average of 16 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 16 h 23 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 16 h 23 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of CHF217 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 16h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of CHF217, while a train costs an average of CHF217.
Distance: 712 miles (1147 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
CHF217 Average price Cheapest | CHF207 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 49m Average total duration Fastest 16h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY:
A bus is CHF51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY costing on average CHF217.
A bus is CHF394 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY costing on average CHF560.
Other travel options to Rensselaer, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 16h 19m.
Bus takes on average 23h 27m.
Tickets start at around CHF217 compared to roughly CHF207 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF-10.18. The journey takes 16h 19m versus 12h 13m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:30 AM Chicago, IL | 16h23 | 6:53 PM Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY run on average 3 times per day, taking around 16h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at CHF196 but you can travel from only CHF145 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 19:05, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 712 miles (1147 km) distance in 16h 9m.
Distance 712 miles (1147 km) |
Average train duration 16h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF196 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 16h 9m |
First train 7:05 PM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Rensselaer, NY — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rensselaer, NY trip today.
State historic house museum exploring early Dutch settlement, trade, and daily life along the upper Hudson.
Regional history museum in nearby Troy with changing exhibitions on local culture, industry, and the Hudson Valley.
College museum presenting contemporary and historical art in thoughtfully curated exhibitions open to the public.
Scenic riverside trail and public park with skyline views, walking paths, and a popular overlook above the Hudson.
Popular urban rail-trail crossing forests and neighborhoods, suited to walking and cycling near Rensselaer.
Wooded city park with sports fields, picnic spots, and easy local walks for a relaxed outdoor stop.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY 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 Rensselaer, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, NY trains use the Union Station to Albany-Rensselaer Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Rensselaer, NY train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Albany-Rensselaer Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Albany-Rensselaer Station.
Ticket office support is available at Albany-Rensselaer Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Albany-Rensselaer Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Albany-Rensselaer Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Albany-Rensselaer Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need