- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Aug 01
Cheapest price
€333
Average price
€410
Fastest journey
20 h 51 m
Average duration
22 h 8 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1100 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Princeton, 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 Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL will cost around €410 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €333.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.
1:21 PM20h51Princeton, NJ10:12 AMChicago, IL€3331One-way2 transfers- 9:20 AM23h25Princeton, NJ8:45 AMChicago, IL€4871One-way2 transfers
- 1:21 PM20h51Princeton, NJ10:12 AMChicago, IL€3331One-way2 transfers
- 9:20 AM23h25Princeton, NJ8:45 AMChicago, IL€4871One-way2 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Trains from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 25h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €138 but you can travel from only €70 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:56, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 683 miles (1100 km) distance in 22h 1m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €70
Distance 683 miles (1100 km) |
Average train duration 25h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price €138 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 22h 1m |
First train 6:56 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €70
Live departures
Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 11:42 AM Princeton, NJ | 27h43 | 3:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:42 PM Princeton, NJ | 27h43 | 4:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
| 9:20 AM Princeton, NJ | 23h25 | 8:45 AM Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: NJ Transit from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL trainsNJ Transit trains will get you between Princeton, NJ and Chicago, IL from €70. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
NJ Transit
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19h 55m
Cheapest Price
€333
NJ Transit frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Chicago, IL
Things to do in Chicago, IL
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
- Must visit
Museum of Science and Industry
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
- Must visit
Magnificent Mile
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-Dish Pizza
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.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
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 Sandwich
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Johnnie's Beef
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Superdawg Drive-In
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
Alinea
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
US dollar ($)
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
FAQs: Trains from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Princeton, 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.
Train ticket prices from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €138, while the average price is around €213.
The train from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL takes 22h 1m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL is 683 miles (1100 km).
The first train from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:56 AM.
The last train from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL leaves at 9:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL.
There is no direct train service currently available from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL.
The train station in Princeton, NJ that goes to Chicago, IL is Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The train journey from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Pennsylvania countryside, small towns, and glimpses of industrial landscapes, providing a diverse visual experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL.
Popular day trips by train from Chicago, IL include Milwaukee, WI, South Bend, IN, New Buffalo, MI, Racine, WI, Elkhart, IN.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL
Most Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL trains use the Trenton Transit Center to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Princeton, NJ and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Princeton
Arrival train stations in Chicago
Which Chicago, IL station do trains from Princeton, NJ arrive at?
Trains from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL arrive at Union Station. Union Station is 1 miles (3 km) from Chicago, IL city centre.
Union Station225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus28, 151 · 7m · €3 · every ~13 min
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Most popular train connections from Princeton, NJ
More options for your journey from Princeton, NJ to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Princeton, NJ
Most popular train connections to Chicago, IL
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