Are you planning a trip to two of the most famous cities in America? The train journey from New York to Chicago is one of the most famous train trips across the United States. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling on business or pleasure, or you want to feel the romanticism of long-distance train travel, Amtrak’s nighttime train service from New York Penn Station and Chicago Union Station is a trip worth taking. This guide explains everything you should be aware of prior to boarding.
Why Take the Train from New York to Chicago?
If you think about traveling from New York to Chicago, flying is usually the first thought to the mind. However, the train ride between New York and Chicago offers a totally different journey – one that offers more relaxation, is more picturesque, and usually cheaper than you imagine.
The following are the reasons why a lot of passengers decide to choose Amtrak instead of other options every year:
- No stress at the airport: It’s a short trip from Penn Station, right in the center of Midtown Manhattan, and you arrive at Chicago Union Station, steps away from the Loop. The security line isn’t long, and there are no baggage costs, and no rush to make a connection flight.
- More space and comfort: Amtrak seats are larger than those on planes. It is possible to stretch your legs, walk towards the dining vehicle, and really enjoy the journey. If you have a sleeping cabin, an overnight journey can be more than just a mere commute.
- Beautiful views: The road traverses New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, offering breathtaking perspectives of the American landscape, rivers, and the small-town America landscapes that you’d not see from 35,000 feet up in the air.
- More environmentally friendly: Rail travel is significantly lower in carbon dioxide emissions per mile of travel as compared to driving or flying, which makes it a much more environmentally sustainable option.
- Downtown to the city centre: There are two train stations: Penn Station and Union Station are located in central locations, saving you time and the expense of travelling between the airport as well as the city centre.
Which Amtrak Trains Run from New York to Chicago?
There’s one main Amtrak service that runs from New York to Chicago:
The Lake Shore Limited: The Lake Shore Limited is Amtrak’s most popular overnight train service that connects New York City with Chicago. It’s among the oldest and most popular long-distance routes within the Amtrak network. It follows routes through the Great Lakes region through states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana until arriving at Chicago.
It operates every day throughout the day in both directions. In New York, it departs at the end of the afternoon and will arrive in Chicago early the next early in the morning. The service is equipped with all facilities for long-distance travel, such as an eating car, a lounge vehicle, as well as coach seating. It also has sleeping accommodations for private guests.
| Train Name | Route | Frequency | Type |
| Lake Shore Limited (Train 448/49) | New York Penn Station to Chicago Union Station | Daily | Overnight Long-Distance |
New York to Chicago Train Schedule: Departure Times and Frequency
Lake Shore Limited operates on the same schedule every day. Below is the timetable standard for the westbound train (New York – Chicago). Please note that these times are dependent on seasonal changes as well as operational adjustments, so make sure to check with Amtrak.com prior to booking.
| Station | Arrival | Departure | Time Zone |
| New York Penn Station | – | 3:40 PM | ET |
| Newark, NJ | 4:00 PM | 4:04 PM | ET |
| Philadelphia, PA | 4:55 PM | 5:10 PM | ET |
| Harrisburg, PA | 7:24 PM | 7:39 PM | ET |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 11:08 PM | 11:38 PM | ET |
| Cleveland, OH | 2:58 AM | 3:18 AM | ET |
| Toledo, OH | 5:00 AM | 5:10 AM | ET |
| South Bend, IN | 7:05 AM | 7:12 AM | CT |
| Chicago Union Station | 9:45 AM | – | CT |
Note: Departure times are approximate. Always check the Amtrak website or app for real-time schedules.
New York to Chicago Train Travel Time: How Long Does It Take?
The travel time between New York Penn Station and Chicago Union Station on the Lake Shore Limited is approximately 19-21 hours, based on the schedule and delays on the way.
Even though this takes a lot longer than a flight, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re not only “in the middle of a journey.” There is eating, sleeping, and watching the country roll through, and finally arriving in Chicago refreshed and at the heart of the city. Many travelers believe that traveling overnight is an integral element of the journey.
| Travel Mode | New York to Chicago Time | Arrives Downtown? |
| Amtrak Train | ~19–21 hours | Yes (Union Station) |
| Flight | ~2.5–3 hours (+ airport time) | No (O’Hare or Midway) |
| Driving | ~12–13 hours | Yes |
| Bus (Greyhound/FlixBus) | ~18–20 hours | Yes |
Chicago Union Station Guide for Passengers
Arriving in Chicago Union Station, you will enter one of the largest and most gorgeous train stations across America. What you can expect:
Location: S. Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60661 – located in the middle of the Loop and close to important hotels as well as the Chicago Riverwalk. Chicago Riverwalk.
The Great Hall: The grand waiting room, also known as the Great Hall, features soaring ceilings, marble floors, and a breathtaking skylight. The Great Hall is worthy of a stop to look around before setting off.
Amenities: The station is home to bathrooms, restaurants, stores, toilets, Amtrak lounges (Metropolitan Lounge for passengers who sleep), baggage claim, as well as rideshare pickup locations.
How to get around to and from Union Station: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses are located at the entrance of the station.
There are two lines: the Blue Line (Clinton station) and the Pink/Green/Orange Lines (Clinton or Quincy stations) can be walked from. Taxis as well as rideshares such as Uber and Lyft are readily available from outside. The Riverwalk as well as Millennium Park are accessible on foot.
| Amenity | Available at Chicago Union Station |
| Restaurants and Cafes | Yes |
| Baggage Storage | Yes |
| Metropolitan Lounge (Sleeper Passengers) | Yes |
| Accessible Facilities | Yes |
| Rideshare/Taxi Pickup | Yes |
| CTA Bus Access | Yes |
Key Stops Between New York to Chicago
- Lake Shore Limited: Lake Shore Limited makes several stops on the route worth checking out regardless of whether you’re boarding the train in mid-route or just curious about the route.
- Newark, NJ – The first stop on the way to New York, just minutes into the trip. It is a major hub for transit with connectivity for New Jersey Transit and Newark Liberty Airport.
- Philadelphia, PA – An important city stop at which a lot of passengers embark or depart. It is about one hour and twenty-five minutes away from New York; Philadelphia is an excellent option for those who have a one-way trip.
- Harrisburg, PA – The Capital of the state of Pennsylvania is located on the Susquehanna River. It is a picturesque stop to visit in the evening hours.
- Pittsburgh, PA – One of the most stunning arrival moments on the road, arriving in Pittsburgh late in the night, with stunning views of the bridges as well as the city skyline. The majority of passengers have fallen asleep by that time.
- Cleveland, OH – The biggest city stop on the Ohio shoreline of Lake Erie. The train arrives at this location late at night.
- Toledo, OH – A smaller stop in northwestern Ohio before crossing into Indiana.
- South Bend, IN – The final stop prior to Chicago, situated in Indiana close to the Michigan border.
| Stop | State | Approximate Time from New York |
| Newark | New Jersey | ~25 minutes |
| Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | ~1 hour 20 minutes |
| Harrisburg | Pennsylvania | ~3 hours 45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | ~7.5 hours |
| Cleveland | Ohio | ~11.5 hours |
| Toledo | Ohio | ~13.5 hours |
| South Bend | Indiana | ~15.5 hours |
| Chicago | Illinois | ~19–21 hours |
Ticket Prices and Best Ways to Save Money on Amtrak
The cost of tickets for trains that run from New York to Chicago depends on the date of travel, as well as the amount of time before you make your booking, and also the kind of service that you pick.
Typical Price Ranges:
| Fare Class | Typical Price Range (One Way) |
| Coach (Unreserved) | $60 – $120 |
| Coach (Reserved) | $80 – $150 |
| Business Class | $120 – $200 |
| Roomette (Sleeper) | $250 – $450 |
| Bedroom (Sleeper) | $400 – $700+ |
Note: Prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Book early for the best rates.
Best Ways to Save Money:
- Make sure to plan. Amtrak sells out on its lowest fares quickly. For the best fare on coach seats, book 4-8 weeks in advance.
- Saver fares. On select routes and dates, Amtrak offers non-refundable Saver fares, which are wonderful savings.
- Amtrak Guest Rewards. Amtrak’s loyalty program is free and offers points for every ride, and the points are redeemable for travel. Sign up.
- Rail Pass. Valuing more than one trip on Amtrak? A USA Rail Pass might be the better option than one-way rail fares.
- Discount programs. Discounts are offered for veterans, students, people with AAA memberships, seniors (65+), and children (ages 2-12).
- Travel mid-week. Typically, weekday train travel (Tuesday and Wednesday) is less busy and cheaper than weekend travel.
Onboard Amenities on the New York to Chicago Train
The Lake Shore Limited has features that make the long-distance 19+ hour trip doable for all kinds of travelers.
Coach Class: Spacious seats that recline fully, footrests, Wi-Fi (may not be available the entire trip), power outlets in most seats, dining and lounge cars, and the ability to store luggage above your seat.
Sleeper Accommodations:
- Roomette – A small private space with two reclining seats that convert into a bed at time of night. It also has access to shared showers as well as bathrooms within the sleeping car. Food and drinks in the dining car are included in the price of the sleeper.
- Bedroom – A more spacious exclusive cabin, with its own bathroom with shower. There is more space for couples and those who prefer premium amenities.
- Dining Car: Fully-serviced eating area with hot meals at breakfast, lunch as well as dinner. Sleeper passengers get complimentary meals as part of their ticket. Passengers on coaches can buy snacks and meals in the lounge and dining car.
- Lounge Car/Sightseer Lounge Car: This observation-style lounge car has huge windows, seating as well as a snack/beverage bar. It is also the social center of the train. It’s great to meet fellow passengers and take in the scenery.
| Amenity | Coach | Roomette | Bedroom |
| Reclining Seat | Yes | Yes (converts to bed) | Yes (converts to bed) |
| Private Room | No | Yes | Yes |
| Private Bathroom | No | No (shared) | Yes |
| Meals Included | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lounge Car Access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Outlets | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Limited | Limited | Limited |
New York to Chicago Train vs. Other Travel Options
| Factor | Train (Amtrak) | Flight | Drive | Bus |
| Travel Time | ~19–21 hours | ~5–6 hours total (incl. airport) | ~12–13 hours | ~18–20 hours |
| Cost (Budget) | $60–$150 | $80–$200+ | $80–$120 (fuel/tolls) | $30–$80 |
| Downtown Arrival | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort | High | Low–Medium | Medium | Low |
| Scenic Value | Very High | Low | Medium | Low |
| Luggage Fees | No | Often Yes | N/A | Sometimes |
| Carbon Footprint | Low | High | High | Low–Medium |
The train, for comfort, access to the city center, and the overall travel experience, is the clear champion. Flying is faster, if you spend the least amount of time possible in the airport, but, for those who value comfort and the experience of traveling itself, Amtrak is hard to beat.
Tips for First-Time Travelers on the New York to Chicago Route
If you have not previously taken the Lake Shore Limited or another long-distance Amtrak train, consider these helpful hints about making your travel experience the best it can be:
- Make reservations earlier: The most affordable coach tickets and sleeping rooms are sold early, particularly during the peak times for travel.
- Bring snacks and some entertainment: If the dining vehicle is readily available, carrying snacks to take along for your journey is always a great plan. Download podcasts, movies, or audiobooks to enjoy offline.
- Make sure you have a travel pillow and blanket: Travelers on coach trips will particularly enjoy having a neck pillow as well as a comfortable blanket to sleep on during the night.
- Charge your devices before boarding: There are outlets for charging, but they are not always available. Beginning your journey with fully charged batteries is the best option.
- Get to Penn Station early: Amtrak boards at specific gates and announces the boarding time typically 30-45 minutes prior to departure. If you arrive 45 minutes before departure, it will allow you enough time to find your gate and get settled in.
- Pick your seats strategically: For coach seats, those that are on the left (north) of the westbound direction have better views of the Great Lakes region. Window seats sell quickly, and booking in advance is recommended.
- Take advantage of your lounge vehicle: Lounge cars are one of the many highlights that make up your Lake Shore Limited experience. It’s an ideal spot to take in the views and enjoy a drink and connect with fellow passengers.
- Check for delays: Long-distance Amtrak trains may sometimes operate behind schedule. Be sure to check the Amtrak app to get live updates on status and schedule your Chicago departure accordingly.
What to Do When You Arrive at Union Station, Chicago
Chicago Union Station puts you within a fascinating city in America. There are a few great choices to start your journey in Chicago:
- If you’re staying in downtown The majority of hotels within the Loop and River North are a short taxi or rideshare drive from Union Station.
- Chicago Riverwalk is just two blocks away from the station. It is an amazing waterfront promenade that is perfect for taking a morning or evening stroll.
- Millennium Park, home to the famed Cloud Gate sculpture (known as “The Bean”) The park is just one mile away from Union Station and easily walkable, or take a short CTA journey.
- The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top art museums, and it is within a few minutes of Union Station.
- Chicago deep-dish pizza is, of course, a must. Lou Malnati’s restaurant, Giordano’s, and Pequod’s are all renowned restaurants that are easy to access from downtown.
- The Chicago Architecture Center offers river and walking tours that offer visitors a first-class overview of one of the most important cities in terms of architecture.
| Attraction | Distance from Union Station | Best For |
| Chicago Riverwalk | 2 blocks | Scenic walk, cafes |
| Millennium Park / The Bean | ~1 mile | Iconic photo, outdoor events |
| Art Institute of Chicago | ~1 mile | Art, culture |
| Navy Pier | ~2 miles | Family fun, lakefront views |
| Chicago Architecture Center | 0.5 miles | Architecture tours |
| Willis Tower Skydeck | 0.3 miles | City views |
Booking Your New York to Chicago Amtrak Ticket
The process of booking tickets for your Amtrak trip is easy and is possible through a variety of ways:
- Amtrak.com: This official site is the most reliable location to locate all of the possible fares, view times, and control the booking.
- Amtrak Application: Currently available on iOS and Android. This app allows you to locate trains, reserve tickets, as well as track the status of your train in real time.
- Telephone: Call Amtrak 800-USA-RAIL to reserve tickets through a customer service agent.
- The Station: Amtrak ticket counters are located at Penn Station and most major stations if you want to book on the spot.
Tips for booking:
Amtrak.com has a flexible date search tool that helps you find the lowest prices over a range of days. Make sure you book sleeper cars early, as their inventory is low for Roomettes and Bedrooms.
Be careful to check which station you’re leaving from. In New York, Amtrak leaves from Penn Station as opposed to Grand Central.
Best Time to Travel from New York to Chicago by Train
The train route from New York to Chicago operates all year round with a unique experience for every season.
| Season | Pros | Cons |
| Spring (March–May) | Beautiful scenery, mild weather, lower fares | Can be rainy along the route |
| Summer (June–August) | Great weather in Chicago, lively city events | Peak demand, higher prices, book early |
| Fall (September–November) | Stunning fall foliage through Pennsylvania and Ohio | Weather can turn quickly |
| Winter (December–February) | Lowest fares, festive Chicago atmosphere | Higher chance of delays due to winter weather |
Traveling in late September through October offers wonderful weather while you can score affordable fares. The autumn leaves change in the Pennsylvania and Ohio countryside and make the Lake Shore Limited even more exceptional during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What is the duration of the trip by train from New York to Chicago?
Lake Shore Limited takes approximately 19-21 hours to complete the trip between New York Penn Station and Chicago Union Station. Its travel time may vary a bit based on the schedule’s adherence and operational disruptions along the way.
Q2.Where is the station where the New York to Chicago train start at located in New York?
Trains depart at New York Penn Station (Pennsylvania Station), which is located on 8th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets in Midtown Manhattan. Be aware that it is important to note that Grand Central Terminal does not provide service to Amtrak long-distance trains.
Q3.How much will a train ticket between New York and Chicago cost?
Coach tickets generally start at 60-$80 if booked in advance by using a Saver Fare. Coach fares for standard travel range between $80-$150. At the same time, sleeper lodgings (Roomettes) range from $250 to $300 each. Prices can vary greatly based upon your travel date and the length of time ahead you reserve.
Q4.Do that New York to Chicago train include sleeping accommodation?
Yes. It is true. Lake Shore Limited offers both Roomettes (compact private cabins that have two beds that convert into convertible seats) as well as Bedrooms (larger private cabins equipped with a bathroom with shower). Passengers sleeping in the cabins also get complimentary meals inside the dining car, as part of the fare.
Q5.Do you have food on the New York to Chicago train?
Yes. Lake Shore Limited has a complete dining vehicle that offers hot breakfasts as well as lunch and dinner. The lounge is a car that serves snacks, drinks, and lighter meals. The sleeper passenger is entitled to the meals in the dining car at cost, while the coach passengers have to pay for meals in a separate manner.
Q6.Does Wi-Fi work in the Amtrak train that runs from New York to Chicago?
Amtrak has Wi-Fi available in some of its trains; however, connectivity for long-distance routes such as the Lake Shore Limited may be uneven, particularly in remote areas. It is advised to download offline content for usage prior to embarking and to depend on Wi-Fi for important work activities.
Q7.Do I have to carry luggage to the Amtrak train that runs from New York to Chicago?
Yes. Every passenger is allowed to bring two bags of carry-on luggage free of charge. You can also you can check three bags (50 pounds each) in exchange for a small fee at stations that are staffed. There aren’t any overhead bin restrictions like in airplanes or overhead shelves, and lower racks for luggage are accessible on the train.
Q8.Which are the most comfortable seats for the New York to Chicago train?
Window seats are the best for views. The seats located on the left (north-facing) part of the train going westwards offer greater views of the Great Lakes region. To get the most enjoyment, upgrade to a Roomette or the lounge car is advised.
Q9.Do you have direct trains that run from New York to Chicago, or am I required to switch trains?
Lake Shore Limited operates as an express, non-transfer train that runs between New York Penn Station and Chicago Union Station. The train will arrive at New York and disembark in Chicago without having to change trains.
Q10.When should I reserve my ticket for the New York to Chicago train?
To get the most competitive rates and availability, particularly for accommodations that sleep, booking between 4 and 8 weeks in advance is highly recommended. Savings fares are very restricted in availability, and they sell quickly during peak travel dates. If you are flexible, late-night fares are often available on weekdays with fewer departures.