The cheapest and fastest trains from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$212
Average price
$318
Fastest journey
21 h 52 m
Average duration
23 h 5 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
1069 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL will cost around $318 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $212.
It's difficult to get from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
195 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian
82 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
88 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
118 Northeast Regional · 291 Ethan Allen Express · 49 Lake Shore Limited
88 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
82 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
118 Northeast Regional · 291 Ethan Allen Express · 49 Lake Shore Limited
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian
195 Northeast Regional · 40 FloridianTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $92. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 1.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $92, and a flight costs an average of $61.
Distance: 664 miles (1069 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$246 Average price | $272 Average price | $198 Average price Cheapest |
22h 29m Average total duration 21h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 53m Average total duration 20h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.2 - 6.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, February 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
195 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian | 5:34 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 23h56 | 5:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | ||
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian | 5:42 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 23h48 | 5:30 PM 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 prices and tickets Philadelphia, PA 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.
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Why should you book Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of Amtrak Acela to find the best option for your trip from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 21h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $106 (€85) but you can travel from only $61 (€49) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:15, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 664 miles (1069 km) distance in 20h 42m.
Distance 664 miles (1069 km) |
Average train duration 21h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $106 (€85) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 20h 42m |
First train 08:15 |
Last train 21:30 |
Train companies: Amtrak, Amtrak Acela from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak, Amtrak Acela trains will get you between Philadelphia, PA and Chicago, IL from $61 (€49). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Amtrak Acela
FAQs: Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
- 5:15 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via 30th Street and Market Street.
- Bridgewater's Pub
- The Porch at 30th Street Station
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
- Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
- The Study at University City
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Main Hall: entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
- Upper Level: Amtrak platforms
- Lower Level: SEPTA Regional Rail platforms
- SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line
- Trolley: Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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 Philadelphia, PA
More options for your journey from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
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