The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY
Cheapest price
$166
Average price
$166
Fastest journey
18 h 30 m
Average duration
18 h 30 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
984 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Watertown, 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 Watertown, NY will cost around $166 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $166.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Watertown, NY on Fri, Jul 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct trains cover the 984 km distance in an average of 18 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 30 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the slowest trains will take 18 h 30 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.
3:30 AM18h30Chicago, IL10:00 PMWatertown, NY$1661One-way0 transfers
3:30 AM18h30Chicago, IL10:00 PMWatertown, NY$1661One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train for Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $97. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 14h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $97, and a train costs an average of $97.
Distance: 611 miles (984 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$283 Average price Cheapest | $146 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 58m Average total duration Fastest 14h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $283 (€233) compared to roughly $146 (€120) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-136.94 (€-112.83). The journey takes 14h 28m versus 11h 9m 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 Watertown, NY train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY trains for today, Wednesday, July 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
48 Lake Shore Limited · 8298 AMTRAK | 9:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 18h30 | 5:00 PM Watertown, NY | 1 transfer | |
448 Lake Shore Limited · 8298 AMTRAK | 9:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 18h30 | 5:00 PM Watertown, NY | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, July 2 | |||||
![]() | 3:30 AM Chicago, IL | 18h30 | 10:00 PM Watertown, 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 Watertown, NY by train
Compare train 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.
Jul 02
Jul 03
Jul 04
Jul 05
Jul 06
Jul 07
Jul 08
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY
Trains from Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY run on average 2 times per day, taking around 14h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $97 (€80) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 21:30, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 611 miles (984 km) distance in 18h 30m.
Distance 611 miles (984 km) |
Average train duration 14h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 (€80) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 18h 30m |
First train 9:30 PM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Watertown, NY from $97 (€80). 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 Watertown, NY
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Watertown, 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 Watertown, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY
Most Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY trains use the Union Station to Watertown, Bradley Street (Subway) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Watertown, 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 Watertown, 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.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Watertown, NY
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
