The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY
Cheapest price
$379
Average price
$379
Fastest journey
16 h 45 m
Average duration
16 h 45 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1131 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, 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 Schenectady, NY will cost around $379 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $379.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Schenectady, NY on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 1131 km distance in an average of 16 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 16 h 45 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 16 h 45 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.
9:30 PM16h45Chicago, IL2:15 PMSchenectady, NY$3791One-way0 transfers
9:30 PM16h45Chicago, IL2:15 PMSchenectady, NY$3791One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $121. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $121, and a flight costs an average of $330.
Distance: 702 miles (1131 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$208 Average price | $432 Average price | $160 Average price Cheapest | $161 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 53m Average total duration 16h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 12m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 34h 28m Average total duration 33h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY costing on average $208 (€170).
A bus is $272 (€223) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY costing on average $432 (€354).
Other travel options to Schenectady, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 16h 23m.
Bus takes on average 33h 58m.
Tickets start at around $208 (€170) compared to roughly $161 (€132) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-46.49 (€-38.05). The journey takes 16h 23m versus 11h 52m 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.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:30 AM Chicago, IL | 19h09 | 9:39 PM Schenectady, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY
Trains from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY run on average 3 times per day, taking around 16h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $155 (€127) but you can travel from only $121 (€99) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 19:33, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 702 miles (1131 km) distance in 15h 45m.
Distance 702 miles (1131 km) |
Average train duration 16h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $155 (€127) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 15h 45m |
First train 7:33 PM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 5 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Schenectady, NY from $121 (€99). 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 Schenectady, NY
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, 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 Schenectady, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY
Most Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY trains use the Union Station to Schenectady Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Schenectady, NY 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 Schenectady, NY 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.
Which Schenectady, NY station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to Schenectady Station from Schenectady city centre
Schenectady Station train station facilities and services
Schenectady 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
Food and drink options are available at Schenectady Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Schenectady Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Schenectady Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Schenectady Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Schenectady Station.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
