- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.


Cheapest price
$136
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
13h 7m
Average duration
13h 7m
Trains per day
2
Distance
949 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Syracuse, NY to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $70. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $70, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 591 miles (952 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$182 Average price | $160 Average price Cheapest | $294 Average price | $199 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 36m Average total duration 13h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 0m Average total duration 15h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Syracuse, NY to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $22 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Syracuse, NY to Chicago, IL costing on average $182 (€149).
A bus is $134 (€110) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Syracuse, NY to Chicago, IL costing on average $294 (€241).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 6m.
Bus takes on average 15h 30m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
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 Syracuse, NY to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
449 Lake Shore Limited | 10:05 PM Syracuse Station, Syracuse, NY | 13h07 | 10:12 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
49 Lake Shore Limited | 10:05 PM Syracuse Station, Syracuse, NY | 13h07 | 10:12 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Syracuse, NY to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 13h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $56 (€46) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 21:30, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 591 miles (952 km) distance in 13h 7m.
Distance 591 miles (952 km) |
Average train duration 13h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 (€46) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 13h 7m |
First train 9:30 PM |
Last train 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 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 Syracuse, NY 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.

Most Syracuse, NY to Chicago, IL trains use the Syracuse Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Syracuse, NY and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Syracuse Station is 3 km from Syracuse city centre. Public transport options include:
Syracuse Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, The Mission Restaurant
Ticket office support is available at Syracuse Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Syracuse Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Syracuse Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Syracuse Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Syracuse Station.
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse, Comfort Inn & Suites Airport, Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need