The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Cheapest price
$225
Average price
$245
Fastest journey
18 h 10 m
Average duration
18 h 10 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
825 km
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 $245 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $225.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for State College, PA on Sun, Aug 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 02 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 Sun, Aug 02 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.
12:40 AM18h10Chicago, IL6:50 PMState College, PA$2251One-way0 transfers
11:40 PM18h10Chicago, IL5:50 PMState College, PA$2641One-way0 transfers
12:40 AM18h10Chicago, IL6:50 PMState College, PA$2251One-way0 transfers
11:40 PM18h10Chicago, IL5:50 PMState College, PA$2641One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to State College, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $191.
Distance: 512 miles (825 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$249 Average price | $92 Average price Cheapest | $374 Average price | $116 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 27m Average total duration 12h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 42m Average total duration 14h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 47m Average total duration Fastest 4h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 46m 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 State College, PA:
A bus is $158 (€128) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA costing on average $249 (€203).
A bus is $282 (€230) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to State College, PA costing on average $374 (€304).
Other travel options to State College, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 57m.
Bus takes on average 14h 12m.
Tickets start at around $249 (€203) compared to roughly $116 (€94) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-133.73 (€-108.95). The journey takes 12h 57m versus 8h 46m 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 State College, PA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to State College, PA trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian · 8690 AMTRAK | 6:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 18h10 | 1:50 PM State College, PA | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
![]() | 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
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to State College, PA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Aug 01
Aug 02
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Aug 07
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Trains from Chicago, IL to State College, PA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 12h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $209 (€170) but you can travel from only $68 (€56) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 13:25, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 512 miles (825 km) distance in 18h 10m.
Distance 512 miles (825 km) |
Average train duration 12h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $209 (€170) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 18h 10m |
First train 1:25 PM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to State College, PA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and State College, PA from $68 (€56). 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 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Most Chicago, IL to State College, PA trains use the Union Station to State College, Greyhound Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and State College, PA 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 State College, PA 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.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
