- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$203
Average price
$294
Fastest journey
1 d 11 h 12 m
Average duration
1 d 15 h 56 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
1388 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Jacksonville, FL 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 Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL will cost around $294 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $203.
Of the 3 trains that leave Jacksonville, FL for Chicago, IL on Wed, Jul 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 1388 km distance in an average of 1 d 15 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 11 h 12 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 1 d 19 h 1 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.
40 Floridian
98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited
40 Floridian
98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore LimitedOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $111. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $111, and a flight costs an average of $94.
Distance: 862 miles (1388 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$319 Average price | $214 Average price Cheapest | $385 Average price | $216 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
35h 14m Average total duration 34h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 23m Average total duration 22h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $105 (€87) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL costing on average $319 (€263).
A bus is $171 (€141) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL costing on average $385 (€317).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 53m.
Train takes on average 34h 44m.
Tickets start at around $319 (€263) compared to roughly $216 (€178) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-102.91 (€-84.82). The journey takes 34h 44m versus 15h 34m 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 Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 4:11 PM Jacksonville station, Jacksonville, FL | 43h01 | 10:12 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
98 Silver Meteor · 51 Cardinal | 4:11 PM Jacksonville station, Jacksonville, FL | 43h14 | 10:25 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian | 4:11 PM Jacksonville station, Jacksonville, FL | 41h34 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
40 Floridian | 10:33 PM Jacksonville station, Jacksonville, FL | 35h12 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 34h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $134 (€111) but you can travel from only $94 (€78) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 16:11, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 862 miles (1388 km) distance in 35h 12m.
Distance 862 miles (1388 km) |
Average train duration 34h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $134 (€111) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 35h 12m |
First train 4:11 PM |
Last train 10:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Jacksonville, FL 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.

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