Chicago to New York by Train

Traveling from Chicago to New York by train offers a relaxing alternative to flying or driving. Amtrak operates two direct routes connecting the Midwest to the East Coast. Both trains run overnight, giving passengers the chance to sleep comfortably while covering hundreds of miles. The journey provides an excellent opportunity to see the varied landscapes of the United States without the stress of navigating traffic. Whether you prefer a faster overnight trip or a longer, more scenic ride through the mountains, you have options. For those new to rail travel, reading up on first time on Amtrak can help you prepare for the trip.

Your train options

You have two direct overnight choices for this journey. The Lake Shore Limited operates daily in each direction as of 2026 and completes the trip in about 19 hours. The Cardinal runs three times a week in each direction and takes about 24 to 30 hours. Both trains offer Coach seating and private sleeping accommodations, including the Viewliner Roomette, Viewliner Bedroom, and Accessible Bedroom. You can learn more about these options in our guide to Amtrak sleeper accommodations. The Lake Shore Limited also features Business Class on some sections. Both trains provide a dining car and café service, though the Cardinal restricts its dining service to sleeping car passengers. If you want the fastest direct train, choose the Lake Shore Limited. If you prefer a longer ride with mountain scenery and your schedule aligns with its three weekly departures, the Cardinal is a great alternative.

The journey

The scenery varies greatly depending on which train you choose and the time of day you pass through each region. On the Lake Shore Limited, eastbound passengers travel overnight through northern Indiana and Ohio near Lake Erie. The route then follows the Erie Canal through the Mohawk Valley between Buffalo and Albany. South of Albany, the train runs along the east bank of the Hudson River. Sit on the right side heading south for views of the Catskills and the Hudson Highlands. Major stops include Cleveland, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Albany. The Cardinal takes a more southern path through the Ohio River valley between Cincinnati and Huntington. It then crosses the New River Gorge between Charleston and Clifton Forge, passing deep forested canyon walls. East of Clifton Forge, the train crosses the Blue Ridge mountains near Staunton. Key stops on the Cardinal include Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia.

The stations

Trains depart from Chicago Union Station, located in the West Loop just west of the Chicago River. The station opened in 1925 and features a classic Beaux Arts waiting room called the Great Hall. It serves as the hub of Amtrak long distance trains and offers a Metropolitan Lounge for premium passengers. You can easily connect to Metra commuter trains, buses, and the CTA Blue Line Clinton stop. In New York, trains arrive at New York Penn Station and the connected Moynihan Train Hall, which opened in 2021. The complex sits under Madison Square Garden and is the busiest Amtrak station in the country.