- Recommended
Schenectady County Historical Society Museum
Local history museum in the Stockade with exhibits on Schenectady's colonial, industrial, and community past.
Cheapest price on Sep 26
kr1511
Average ticket price on Sep 26
kr1511
Fastest journey on Sep 26
19 h 9 m
Average journey duration on Sep 26
19 h 9 m
Trains on Sep 26
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 kr1511 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr1511.
On Sat, Sep 26, we found 1 trains from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 26 the direct trains cover the 1131 km distance in an average of 19 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 19 h 9 m .
On Sat, Sep 26 the slowest trains will take 19 h 9 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 Schenectady, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of kr1246 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr1246, while a flight costs an average of kr4065.
Distance: 702 miles (1131 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr1357 Average price | kr4065 Average price | kr1246 Average price Cheapest | kr1069 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 18m Average total duration 15h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 27m Average total duration Fastest 4h 27m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 24h 26m Average total duration 23h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY:
A bus is kr112 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY costing on average kr1357.
A bus is kr2820 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY costing on average kr4065.
Other travel options to Schenectady, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 48m.
Bus takes on average 23h 56m.
Tickets start at around kr1357 compared to roughly kr1069 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-288.10. The journey takes 15h 48m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. 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 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.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Schenectady, NY run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr880 but you can travel from only kr681 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 43m.
Distance 702 miles (1131 km) |
Average train duration 15h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price kr880 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 15h 43m |
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 4 days |
Discover the best of Schenectady, NY — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Schenectady, NY trip today.
Local history museum in the Stockade with exhibits on Schenectady's colonial, industrial, and community past.
Hands-on children's museum offering interactive science, art, and play exhibits for families.
Compact gallery presenting rotating contemporary exhibitions by regional and national artists.
Historic neighborhood of early homes and quiet streets, ideal for architecture walks near downtown.
Downtown pedestrian-friendly strip with theaters, shops, public art, and frequent events.
Large riverside park with trails, boat launches, playgrounds, and Mohawk River views.
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.

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.
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.
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 options are available at Schenectady Station.
Ticket office support is available at Schenectady Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Schenectady Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Schenectady Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Schenectady Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need