- Must visit
The Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
Cheapest price
$283
Average price
$310
Fastest journey
21 h 18 m
Average duration
22 h
Trains per day
7
Distance
1132 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Newark, 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 Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL will cost around $310 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $283.
It's difficult to get from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian
119 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
119 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
119 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
119 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
40 Floridian+
2155 NextGen AcelaOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Newark, NJ 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 2h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $94, and a train costs an average of $104.
Distance: 703 miles (1132 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$282 Average price | $169 Average price | $167 Average price Cheapest |
21h 54m Average total duration 21h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 56m Average total duration 18h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average $169 (€136).
A bus is $115 (€93) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average $282 (€227).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 18h 26m.
Train takes on average 21h 24m.
The table below shows live departures for Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL trains for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2205 NextGen Acela+ 40 Floridian | 9:14 AM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 24h31 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian | 11:09 AM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 22h36 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
195 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian | 11:23 AM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 22h22 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
2271 NextGen Acela+ 40 Floridian | 11:34 AM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 22h11 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
118 Northeast Regional · 291 Ethan Allen Express · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 1:09 PM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 22h03 | 10:12 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
154 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 1:22 PM Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, NJ | 21h50 | 10:12 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
154 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 1:28 PM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 21h44 | 10:12 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
88 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 2:23 PM Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, NJ | 20h49 | 10:12 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
88 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 2:29 PM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 20h43 | 10:12 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
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, NJ to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 21h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $104 (€84) but you can travel from only $55 (€44) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:02, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 703 miles (1132 km) distance in 19h 32m.
Distance 703 miles (1132 km) |
Average train duration 21h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $104 (€84) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 19h 32m |
First train 6:02 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
A world-class natural history museum famous for its dinosaur fossils, ancient cultures, and major scientific collections, including the celebrated T. rex specimen SUE.
A large interactive science museum in Hyde Park with hands-on exhibits, transportation displays, and family-friendly experiences in a grand historic building.
Chicago’s signature downtown park combines major public art, gardens, and event spaces, making it one of the city’s essential first stops for visitors.
The city’s best-known stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with landmark buildings, shops, and hotels, and serves as a central walking route for first-time visitors.
A highly popular waterfront promenade with excellent architecture views, bridges, and easy access to boat tours. It is one of the city’s most scenic urban walks.
Chicago’s iconic thick, buttery-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Thin-sliced seasoned roast beef served on a long roll, often dipped in jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
A celebrated West Loop restaurant with bold small plates, creative flavors, and a vibrant, modern atmosphere.
Chicago’s internationally renowned fine-dining destination known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation.
A classic Chicago pizzeria famous for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is reasonable, but hotels, parking, and fine dining add up fast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotels: USD 2-5 for housekeeping; USD 1-2 per bag.
Traveling between Newark, NJ and Chicago, IL is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. With comfortable seating and scenic views along the way, you can enjoy a relaxing ride as you traverse approximately 1,000 miles of diverse landscapes. The train service offers multiple daily departures to accommodate your schedule while providing amenities such as Wi-Fi and dining options on board. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, this connection ensures an enjoyable travel experience from the East Coast to the Midwest.
The train journey from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL takes approximately 20 hours and 43 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day between these two cities.
The first daily journey departs from Newark at 11:05 AM and arrives in Chicago at 6:54 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for exploring the vibrant culture and attractions of both cities.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Newark to Chicago is $109 (98.1€). The average ticket price tends to be around $185 (166.5€), making it a cost-effective option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.
Welcome to the Willis Tower, once known as the Sears Tower, which held the title of the tallest building in the world for 25 years after its completion in 1973. This iconic skyscraper not only symbolizes Chicago's architectural innovation but also offers breathtaking views from its Skydeck on the 103rd floor, where you can step out onto glass ledges that extend four feet outside of the building! As we explore this landmark, you'll discover how it has become a vital part of Chicago’s skyline and an essential stop for visitors seeking panoramic vistas.
Next up is Millennium Park, a vibrant urban oasis that opened in 2004 and quickly became one of Chicago's most beloved attractions. The park features stunning art installations like Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate—affectionately nicknamed "The Bean"—and serves as a cultural hub with concerts and events throughout the year. Its unique blend of nature and modern design creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation or exploration amidst some truly remarkable architecture.
Finally, let’s head over to Navy Pier—a historic waterfront destination that first opened in 1916 as a shipping facility before transforming into an entertainment hotspot. Stretching over six city blocks along Lake Michigan, it boasts thrilling rides like The Centennial Wheel alongside charming gardens and diverse dining options. With its rich history intertwined with recreation and leisure activities today, Navy Pier remains a must-visit spot where you can soak up both local culture and scenic lakefront views.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Newark, 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.

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