- Must visit
Palmer Museum of Art
University museum with American art, rotating exhibitions, and sculpture outdoors. A strong stop for art and campus culture.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 30
Cheapest price on Oct 30
€187
Average ticket price on Oct 30
€200
Fastest journey on Oct 30
18 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Oct 30
18 h 10 m
Trains on Oct 30
2
Distance
825 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to State College, 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 State College, PA will cost around €200 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €187.
Fast trains
On Fri, Oct 30, we found 2 trains from Chicago, IL to State College, PA, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 30 the direct trains cover the 825 km distance in an average of 18 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 10 m .
On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest trains will take 18 h 10 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.
11:40 PM 18h10 Chicago, IL 5:50 PM State College, PA €187 1 One-way 0 transfers12:40 AM 18h10 Chicago, IL 6:50 PM State College, PA €213 1 One-way 0 transfers
12:40 AM 18h10 Chicago, IL 6:50 PM State College, PA €213 1 One-way 0 transfers11:40 PM 18h10 Chicago, IL 5:50 PM State College, PA €187 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
USAUSA
Take a train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA and enjoy the approximately 512 miles (825 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 13:25, the last at 18:40.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €45
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance512 miles (825 km)
- First train1:25 PM
- Last train6:40 PM
- Cheapest MonthFeb
- Cheapest DaySun
- High SeasonJul - Sep
- Low SeasonOct - Dec
- Best time to book63 days
Explore this journey
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €45
Frequently asked questions about your Chicago, IL to State College, PA trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to State College, PA.
The first train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA leaves at 1:25 PM.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA is 512 miles (825 km).
The last train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA leaves at 6:40 PM.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to State College, PA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to State College, PA trains for today, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:40 PM Chicago, IL | 18h10 | 5:50 PM State College, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, October 30 | |||||
| 12:40 AM Chicago, IL | 18h10 | 6:50 PM State College, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Complete guide to State College, PA
Things to do in State College, PA
Discover the best of State College, PA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect State College, PA trip today.
- Recommended
Penn State All-Sports Museum
Compact museum inside Beaver Stadium covering Penn State sports history, notable athletes, and interactive displays for fans and families.
- Recommended
Penn State Center for Science and the Schools at Discovery Space
Hands-on science center with planetarium shows, nature exhibits, and family-friendly learning on the Penn State campus.
- Must visit
Old Main Lawn
Beloved campus green with elm-lined walks, open lawns, and classic views of Penn State landmarks. Ideal for a first stroll.
- Must visit
The Arboretum at Penn State
Scenic university arboretum area with gardens, ponds, and easy walking paths. A peaceful favorite for nature and photography.
- Recommended
Downtown State College
Lively downtown district with independent shops, murals, theaters, and frequent events. A practical base for exploring the city on foot.
Lebanon Bologna Snack Tray
A Central Pennsylvania specialty: sliced Lebanon bologna, cheese, and sweet pickles on crackers. A salty-smoky snack tied to local tavern culture.
Chicken Corn Soup
Pennsylvania Dutch-style chicken corn soup combines chicken, sweet corn, and often rivels. It is a comforting regional staple across central Pennsylvania.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Creamed Lima Beans
A regional side dish of stewed lima beans in a creamy butter sauce, common in Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and home-style restaurant menus.
The Cheese Shoppe
Long-running local favorite for sandwiches, soups, and baked goods with a cozy café feel near the Penn State campus.
Otto's Pub & Brewery
Historic brewpub and distillery pouring house beers and spirits alongside pub fare in a lively, traditional tavern setting.
Allen Street Grill
Upscale yet relaxed restaurant serving modern American dishes, steaks, seafood, and cocktails in a polished downtown setting.
US Dollar ($)
Moderate for a U.S. college town: hotels rise on football weekends, dining is mid-priced, and local transit is limited but low-cost.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- $18-30 per person for a casual restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $40-70 per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for cafe drinks if service is notable.
Plan your visit to State College, PA
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in State College, PA.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to State College, PA offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing through the scenic Allegheny Mountains and charming small towns, providing a pleasant and varied viewing experience.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In State College, PA, travelers should be cautious of common urban safety concerns such as petty theft and pickpocketing, especially around busy areas like downtown and near Penn State University. Scam risks include overpriced taxi services and unofficial ticket resellers. It’s advisable to use authorized transportation providers and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to State College, 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 State College, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
No, you cannot take the train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
Most popular trains to and from State College, PA and Chicago, IL
Most popular train connections to State College, PA
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
