The cheapest and fastest trains from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$284
Average price
$306
Fastest journey
1 d 14 h 44 m
Average duration
1 d 15 h 13 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
998 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL will cost around $306 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $284.
Of the 2 trains that leave Durham, NC for Chicago, IL on Fri, Feb 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Feb 06 the direct trains cover the 998 km distance in an average of 1 d 15 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 14 h 44 m .
On Fri, Feb 06 the slowest trains will take 1 d 15 h 41 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Durham, NC to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €88. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €88, and a train costs an average of €144.
Distance: 620 miles (998 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€254 Average price | €159 Average price Cheapest | €164 Average price |
25h 36m Average total duration 25h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 8m Average total duration 22h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 56m Average total duration Fastest 5h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Durham, NC to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Durham, NC to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, February 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:01 PM Durham, NC | 38h44 | 1:45 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Durham, NC to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
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.
Feb 06
Feb 07
Feb 08
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Feb 12
Journey information
Overview: Train from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL
Trains from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 25h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $181 (€144) but you can travel from only $98 (€78) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:24, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 620 miles (998 km) distance in 38h 39m.
Distance 620 miles (998 km) |
Average train duration 25h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $181 (€144) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 38h 39m |
First train 08:24 |
Last train 18:40 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Durham, NC and Chicago, IL from $98 (€78). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL
- 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby, with several public parking options in the vicinity.
- Parker and Otis
- Dame's Chicken & Waffles
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free of charge
- Durham Marriott City Center
- 21c Museum Hotel Durham
- Aloft Durham Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platform access
- Bus: GoDurham buses available
- Amtrak Thruway buses
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL
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