Chicago to Raleigh by train

Taking the train from Illinois to North Carolina is a straightforward journey. Passengers board the Floridian, an overnight service linking the Midwest with the Southeast. As of 2026, this route is a temporary combination of the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star. Amtrak created this combined route in November 2024 to manage equipment and platform capacity during work in the Washington area. While Amtrak has stated the separate trains should return, the exact timing remains unconfirmed. Until then, travelers enjoy a direct ride without changing trains, passing through the Allegheny Mountains and the Carolina Piedmont.

Your train options

The Floridian runs daily in each direction between Chicago and Raleigh. The trip takes about 21 to 25 hours, meaning you will spend one night on board. Passengers can choose between a standard Coach seat or upgrade to a private room. If you want to save money, sleeping in coach overnight is possible, as the seats recline and offer ample legroom. For more comfort and privacy, Amtrak offers several sleeper accommodations. You can book a Roomette, a Bedroom or an Accessible Bedroom. These private rooms include beds that fold down at night. If you are unsure which room to book, read our guide to Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms explained. The train also features a café and dining service, though the exact equipment varies. Sleeper passengers typically have dining included in their fare, while coach passengers can purchase meals and snacks from the café car.

The journey

Leaving Chicago, the train heads through northern Indiana and Ohio along the hinterland of Lake Erie. Southbound passengers usually pass through this section at night, with stops including South Bend, Toledo and Cleveland. By morning, the train reaches Pennsylvania and begins a scenic run from Pittsburgh to Washington. This stretch follows the old Baltimore and Ohio route. You will travel alongside the Youghiogheny and Potomac rivers, climbing through the Allegheny Mountains. Notable sights include passing Cumberland and Harpers Ferry, where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac. After calling at Washington, DC, the train continues south into Virginia and North Carolina. The landscape transitions to the Carolina Piedmont and the Sandhills. Along this final stretch to Raleigh, the train makes stops in Alexandria, Richmond, Petersburg and Rocky Mount. The exact scenery you see in daylight depends on the time of year and any schedule delays.

The stations

Your trip begins at Chicago Union Station, located in the West Loop just west of the Chicago River. It is a short walk or bus ride from the Loop. The station opened in 1925 and features the Great Hall, a classic Beaux Arts waiting room. It serves as the hub for most western long distance trains. Premium sleeper passengers can access the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge before departure. You can also connect to Metra commuter trains or the CTA Blue Line at the nearby Clinton stop. You will arrive at Raleigh Union Station. This modern facility opened in 2018 in the downtown Warehouse District. It serves the Floridian, Carolinian and Piedmont trains.