The cheapest and fastest trains from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$261
Average price
$454
Fastest journey
1 d 16 h 56 m
Average duration
1 d 22 h 21 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
1616 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Tampa, 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 Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL will cost around $454 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $261.
Of the 3 trains that leave Tampa, FL for Chicago, IL on Wed, May 27, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 1616 km distance in an average of 1 d 22 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 16 h 56 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 2 d 1 h 47 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.
40 Floridian4:49 PM40h56Union Station, Tampa, FL8:45 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$2611One-way0 transfers
6098 AMTRAK · 98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian9:25 AM48h20Union Station, Tampa, FL8:45 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5381One-way2 transfers
6098 AMTRAK · 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited9:25 AM49h47Union Station, Tampa, FL10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5631One-way2 transfers
40 Floridian4:49 PM40h56Union Station, Tampa, FL8:45 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$2611One-way0 transfers
6098 AMTRAK · 98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian9:25 AM48h20Union Station, Tampa, FL8:45 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5381One-way2 transfers
6098 AMTRAK · 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited9:25 AM49h47Union Station, Tampa, FL10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5631One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $48, and a train costs an average of $146.
Distance: 1004 miles (1616 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$322 Average price | $179 Average price Cheapest | $240 Average price | $249 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
41h 24m Average total duration 40h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 28h 2m Average total duration 27h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $61 (€49) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL costing on average $240 (€194).
A flight is $143 (€115) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL costing on average $322 (€260).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 27h 32m.
Train takes on average 40h 54m.
Tickets start at around $322 (€260) compared to roughly $249 (€201) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-72.17 (€-58.26). The journey takes 40h 54m versus 17h 7m 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.
Live departures
Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
40 Floridian | 4:49 PM Union Station, Tampa, FL | 40h56 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, May 27 | |||||
6098 AMTRAK · 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 9:25 AM Union Station, Tampa, FL | 49h47 | 10:12 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
6098 AMTRAK · 98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian | 9:25 AM Union Station, Tampa, FL | 48h20 | 8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Tampa, FL 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL
Trains from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 40h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $146 (€118) but you can travel from only $48 (€39) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:45, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 1004 miles (1616 km) distance in 40h 56m.
Distance 1004 miles (1616 km) |
Average train duration 40h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $146 (€118) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 40h 56m |
First train 8:45 AM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Tampa, FL and Chicago, IL from $48 (€39). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tampa, 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with an enclosed waiting area.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Streetcar: TECO Line Streetcar System
- 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 Tampa, FL
More options for your journey from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL
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