The cheapest and fastest trains from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$151
Average price
$200
Fastest journey
19 h 9 m
Average duration
1 d 35 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
919 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL will cost around $200 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $151.
Of the 2 trains that leave Harrisburg, PA for Chicago, IL on Fri, Mar 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Mar 20 the direct trains cover the 919 km distance in an average of 1 d 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 19 h 9 m .
On Fri, Mar 20 the slowest trains will take 1 d 6 h 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 bus, train, and flight for Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $94. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $94, and a flight costs an average of $242.
Distance: 571 miles (919 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$178 Average price | $149 Average price Cheapest | $357 Average price |
16h 16m Average total duration 15h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 0m Average total duration 16h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 5.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, March 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian | 6:36 PM Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA | 19h09 | 1:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, March 20 | |||||
![]() | 10:00 AM Harrisburg, PA | 30h00 | 4:00 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 Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL 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.
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Journey information
Overview: Train from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 15h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $133 (€109) but you can travel from only $94 (€77) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 571 miles (919 km) distance in 19h 9m.
Distance 571 miles (919 km) |
Average train duration 15h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $133 (€109) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 19h 9m |
First train 05:00 |
Last train 21:30 |
Cheapest month Jan |
Cheapest day Wed |
High season Oct - Dec |
Low season Jul - Sep |
Busiest day Wed |
Least busy day Wed |
Best day to book ahead 42 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Harrisburg, PA and Chicago, IL from $94 (€77). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
- The Millworks
- Bricco
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $0.50
- Hilton Harrisburg
- Crowne Plaza Harrisburg-Hershey
- Radisson Hotel Harrisburg
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and regional trains
- Hall 3: bus connections and car rental services
- Bus: CAT (Capital Area Transit) services available
- Greyhound and other intercity bus services
- 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
Most popular train connections from Harrisburg, PA
More options for your journey from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL
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