The cheapest and fastest trains from New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$240
Average price
$320
Fastest journey
21 h 1 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 7 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
1114 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New Brunswick, NJ 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 New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL will cost around $320 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $240.
Of the 3 trains that leave New Brunswick, NJ for Chicago, IL on Sun, May 17, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 17 the direct trains cover the 1114 km distance in an average of 1 d 2 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 h 1 m .
On Sun, May 17 the slowest trains will take 1 d 4 h 52 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.
10:33 AM28h27New Brunswick, NJ3:00 PMChicago, IL$2401One-way0 transfers
11:33 AM28h52New Brunswick, NJ4:25 PMChicago, IL$3491One-way0 transfers
7:11 PM21h01New Brunswick, NJ4:12 PMChicago, IL$3691One-way0 transfers
7:11 PM21h01New Brunswick, NJ4:12 PMChicago, IL$3691One-way0 transfers
10:33 AM28h27New Brunswick, NJ3:00 PMChicago, IL$2401One-way0 transfers
11:33 AM28h52New Brunswick, NJ4:25 PMChicago, IL$3491One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 37m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $32, and a train costs an average of $129.
Distance: 692 miles (1114 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$300 Average price | $193 Average price | $123 Average price Cheapest | $203 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 37m Average total duration 20h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 50m Average total duration 24h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 3m 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 New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $70 (€56) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average $193 (€156).
A flight is $177 (€143) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average $300 (€242).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 20h 7m.
Bus takes on average 24h 20m.
Tickets start at around $300 (€242) compared to roughly $203 (€164) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-96.96 (€-78.30). The journey takes 20h 7m versus 12h 3m 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
New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:33 AM New Brunswick, NJ | 28h27 | 3:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:33 AM New Brunswick, NJ | 28h52 | 4:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:11 PM New Brunswick, NJ | 21h01 | 4:12 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 New Brunswick, NJ 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.
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
Journey information
Overview: Train from New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL
Trains from New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 20h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $129 (€104) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:33, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 692 miles (1114 km) distance in 21h 1m.
Distance 692 miles (1114 km) |
Average train duration 20h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $129 (€104) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 21h 1m |
First train 6:33 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Amtrak, NJ Transit from New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak, NJ Transit trains will get you between New Brunswick, NJ and Chicago, IL from $32 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
NJ Transit
FAQs: Trains from New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New Brunswick, NJ 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 New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with several lots and garages in the vicinity.
- Old Man Rafferty's
- The Frog and The Peach
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $0.50
- The Heldrich Hotel
- Hyatt Regency New Brunswick
- Rutgers University Inn
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for NJ Transit and Amtrak services
- Bus: NJ Transit Bus Lines 810, 811, 814, 815, 818
- Suburban Transit/Coach USA
- Greyhound Lines
- 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 New Brunswick, NJ to Chicago, IL
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