Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Reading, PA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading, PA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $78, and a bus costs an average of $142.
Distance: 618 miles (996 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$136 Average price | $78 Average price Cheapest | $142 Average price | $147 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 39m Average total duration 19h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration Fastest 2h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 37h 45m Average total duration 37h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Reading, PA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $57 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average $136 (€108).
A flight is $64 (€51) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average $142 (€113).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 9m.
Bus takes on average 37h 15m.
Tickets start at around $136 (€108) compared to roughly $147 (€117) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $11 (€9). The journey takes 19h 9m versus 10h 21m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Reading, PA to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading, PA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Reading, PA to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 19h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $136 (€108) but you can travel from only $78 (€63) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 21:30, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 618 miles (996 km) distance in 29h 1m.
Distance 618 miles (996 km) |
Average train duration 19h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $136 (€108) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 29h 1m |
First train 9:30 PM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Amtrak from Reading, PA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Reading, PA and Chicago, IL from $78 (€63). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Reading, PA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading, 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 Reading, PA to Chicago, IL
- 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 Reading, PA to Chicago, IL
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