- Must visit
New Jersey State Museum
State museum with archaeology, fine art, cultural history, and science collections, making it the city’s flagship museum stop.
Cheapest price
$257
Average price
$284
Fastest journey
20 h 14 m
Average duration
22 h 26 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
1097 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Trenton, NJ 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 Trenton, NJ will cost around $284 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $257.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Trenton, NJ without transferring at least once.
48 Lake Shore Limited · 177 Northeast Regional
48 Lake Shore Limited · 657 Keystone Service
41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian
41 Floridian · 148 Northeast Regional
41 Floridian · 178 Northeast Regional
41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian
41 Floridian · 148 Northeast Regional
41 Floridian · 178 Northeast Regional
48 Lake Shore Limited · 657 Keystone Service
48 Lake Shore Limited · 177 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Trenton, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $165. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $165, and a flight costs an average of $188.
Distance: 681 miles (1097 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$227 Average price | $351 Average price | $213 Average price Cheapest | $158 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 26m Average total duration 24h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 45m Average total duration 25h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 28m 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 Trenton, NJ:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Trenton, NJ costing on average $227 (€186).
A bus is $138 (€113) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Trenton, NJ costing on average $351 (€287).
Other travel options to Trenton, NJ take longer:
Train takes on average 24h 56m.
Bus takes on average 25h 15m.
Tickets start at around $227 (€186) compared to roughly $158 (€129) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-69.22 (€-56.65). The journey takes 24h 56m versus 11h 28m 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 Trenton, NJ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
41 Floridian · 148 Northeast Regional | 6:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 21h42 | 5:22 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 1 transfer | |
41 Floridian · 178 Northeast Regional | 6:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 22h45 | 6:25 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 1 transfer | |
41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian | 6:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 20h14 | 3:54 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 1 transfer | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 657 Keystone Service | 9:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 22h53 | 9:23 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 1 transfer | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 177 Northeast Regional | 9:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 24h38 | 11:08 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Trenton, NJ run on average 5 times per day, taking around 24h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $168 (€138) but you can travel from only $165 (€135) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:56, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 681 miles (1097 km) distance in 23h 7m.
Distance 681 miles (1097 km) |
Average train duration 24h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $168 (€138) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 23h 7m |
First train 6:56 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Trenton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Trenton trip today.
State museum with archaeology, fine art, cultural history, and science collections, making it the city’s flagship museum stop.
A well-known colonial military museum interpreting French and Indian War and Revolutionary War history in one of Trenton’s most important surviving buildings.
Local art and history museum in Cadwalader Park, valued for regional exhibitions and its setting in a 19th-century villa.
Trenton’s best-known major park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, with open lawns, museum access, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Attractive historic neighborhood with 18th- and 19th-century homes, best explored on foot for local character and architecture.
Civic core around the capitol complex with major historic institutions and a practical starting point for first-time visitors.
A Central New Jersey specialty with a thin crust, cheese under a bright tomato sauce, and a long local tradition in the Trenton area.
A classic New Jersey breakfast sandwich made with griddled pork roll, often served with egg and cheese on a roll.
A regional sandwich with hot dogs, peppers, onions, and potatoes, usually tucked into pizza bread. Popular across New Jersey.
A well-known Italian restaurant offering seafood, pasta, and traditional entrees in a more polished dining environment.
An iconic, long-established spot known for Trenton-style tomato pie with a loyal local following and a casual atmosphere.
A popular neighborhood tavern best known for its thin-crust tomato pies and relaxed, classic New Jersey bar setting.
Prices are moderate by U.S. standards. Budget eats are easy to find, while hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20% for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxi drivers about 10-15%, and round up for casual services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Trenton, NJ 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 Trenton, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Trenton, NJ trains use the Union Station to Trenton Transit Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Trenton, NJ 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.
Trenton Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Settimo Cielo, 1911 Smokehouse BBQ
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Trenton Transit Center. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Trenton Transit Center. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Trenton Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Trenton Transit Center: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Trenton Transit Center: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Trenton Marriott Downtown, Lafayette Park Hotel and Suites, Wyndham Garden Trenton.
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