- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£138
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£213
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
20 h 43 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
21 h 16 m
Trains on 19 Sept
6
Distance
1132 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL will cost around £213 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £138.
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 6 trains from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 1132 km distance in an average of 21 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 h 43 m .
The slowest trains will take 21 h 44 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 Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £89 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 45m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £89, while a train costs an average of £187.
Distance: 1132 km
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£187 Average Price | £127 Average Price | £89 Average Price Cheapest |
21h 48m Average total duration 21h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 18h 50m Average total duration 18h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL:
A coach is £172 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average £289.
A coach is £175 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average £292.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Coach takes on average 19h 58m.
Train takes on average 20h 42m.
The table below shows live departures for Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL trains for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 18:29 Newark, NJ | 20h43 | 15:12 Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:29 Newark, NJ | 20h43 | 16:12 Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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 Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL run on average 8 times per day, taking around 21h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £88 but you can travel from only £43 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:02, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 1132 km distance in 19h 32m.
Distance 1132 km |
Average train duration 21h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £88 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 19h 32m |
First train 6:02 |
Last train 21:30 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 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.
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Science museum in Jackson Park with hands-on exhibits, a U-505 submarine, and broad appeal for families and curious adults.
Natural history museum on the Museum Campus, known for dinosaur fossils, gem displays, and wide-ranging science exhibits.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and frequent events at the heart of central Chicago.
Bustling avenue for architecture, shopping, river views, and easy walking between landmark buildings and major attractions.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River with terraces, bridges, boat access, and excellent close-up architecture views.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago classic with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked in a deep pan.
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 thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in savoury juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant rooted in Midwestern ingredients, with polished service and a refined contemporary dining room.
Historic pizzeria known for classic Chicago deep-dish in a lively, casual setting near the Magnificent Mile.
Long-running counter-service spot famed for Italian beef sandwiches, dipped rolls and spicy giardiniera in a no-frills setting.
Expensive by US city standards: hotels, dining and attractions add up, though buses and the 'L' help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if table service is given.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Newark, NJ 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 Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL trains use the Newark Penn Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Newark, NJ and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Newark Penn 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: Forno's of Spain, Iberia Tavern & Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Newark Penn Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Newark Penn Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Newark Penn Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Newark Penn Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Newark Penn Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station, Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown.
Newark Airport Amtrak is 4 km from Newark city centre. Public transport options include:
Newark Airport Amtrak has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Newark Airport Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Newark Airport Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Newark Airport Amtrak: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, Hilton Newark Airport, Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel.
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