- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$313
Average price
$313
Fastest journey
1 d 18 h 45 m
Average duration
1 d 18 h 45 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1629 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from St. Petersburg, FL 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 St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL will cost around $313 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $313.
Of the 1 trains that leave St. Petersburg, FL for Chicago, IL on Wed, Jul 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 1629 km distance in an average of 1 d 18 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 18 h 45 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 1 d 18 h 45 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $125. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $125, and a train costs an average of $216.
Distance: 1012 miles (1629 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$354 Average price | $252 Average price | $210 Average price Cheapest | $231 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
44h 3m Average total duration 43h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 2m Average total duration Fastest 3h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 25m Average total duration 26h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL costing on average $252 (€208).
A bus is $144 (€119) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL costing on average $354 (€292).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 55m.
Train takes on average 43h 33m.
Tickets start at around $354 (€292) compared to roughly $231 (€190) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-123.61 (€-101.86). The journey takes 43h 33m versus 17h 26m 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 St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:00 PM St. Petersburg, FL | 42h45 | 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 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.
Trains from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 43h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $216 (€178) but you can travel from only $68 (€56) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:45, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 1012 miles (1629 km) distance in 42h 45m.
Distance 1012 miles (1629 km) |
Average train duration 43h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $216 (€178) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 42h 45m |
First train 8:45 AM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 70 days |
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 St. Petersburg, FL 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need