- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$339
Average price
$339
Fastest journey
18 h 59 m
Average duration
18 h 59 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1030 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Newark, DE 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 Newark, DE to Chicago, IL will cost around $339 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $339.
It's difficult to get from Newark, DE to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Newark, DE to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $67. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $67, and a train costs an average of $89.
Distance: 640 miles (1030 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$210 Average price | $179 Average price | $152 Average price Cheapest | $130 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 40m Average total duration 23h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration Fastest 5h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 12m Average total duration 28h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Newark, DE to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $27 (€27) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Newark, DE to Chicago, IL costing on average $179 (€179).
A bus is $58 (€58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Newark, DE to Chicago, IL costing on average $210 (€210).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 23h 10m.
Bus takes on average 28h 42m.
Tickets start at around $210 (€210) compared to roughly $130 (€130) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-80.40 (€-80.40). The journey takes 23h 10m versus 11h 28m 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 Newark, DE to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:45 PM Newark, DE | 26h40 | 3:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:49 PM Newark, DE | 21h56 | 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 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.
Trains from Newark, DE to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 23h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $89 (€89) but you can travel from only $67 (€67) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 17:55, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 640 miles (1030 km) distance in 20h 9m.
Distance 640 miles (1030 km) |
Average train duration 23h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€89) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 20h 9m |
First train 5:55 PM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Newark, DE 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.

Most Newark, DE to Chicago, IL trains use the Wilmington Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Newark, DE and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Newark Station is 1 km from Newark city centre. Public transport options include:
Newark Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Ticket office support is available at Newark Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Newark Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Newark Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Newark Station: Ramps.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need