Chicago, IL, USA to Albany, NY, USA from $30: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Chicago to Albany: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$30 by trainBest price
1151 kmDistance
4h 58m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Albany with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Chicago - Albany operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Albany, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Albany (ALB)
Average Duration
1h 52mEstimated price
$170-1744Website
delta.com
Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Albany (ALB)
Average Duration
1h 52mEstimated price
$170-1744Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Albany (ALB)
Average Duration
4h 17mEstimated price
$140-1745Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Albany (ALB)
Average Duration
4h 20mEstimated price
$1743-1745Website
united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Albany (ALB)
Average Duration
2h 3mEstimated price
$1741-1742Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Chicago Union Station to Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station
Average Duration
16h 23mEstimated price
$30-250Contact phone
+1 518-482-8822Website
cdta.org
Bus from Colonie Station - Central Ave & Northway Mall to Hawk/Capitol Station - Washington Ave & Hawk St
Average Duration
21mEstimated price
$7096-7097Chicago to Albany: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and Albany offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on an epic road trip from the bustling city of Chicago to the charming capital of New York, Albany. Clocking in at 820 miles, this journey promises stunning views and exciting adventures along the way.
💰 Prices for the drive from Chicago to Albany range between $140 to $220, offering flexibility for travelers on a budget. With affordable options available, hitting the road for this trip can be both cost-effective and enjoyable.
Average price
$140 - $220
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Chicago Union Station to Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station in Albany. Services run twice daily, offering a convenient transportation option for travelers. The trip typically lasts around 16 hours and 23 minutes.
💰 Ticket prices for the train between Chicago and Albany can range from $30 to $250, offering passengers various fare options to suit their budget and preferences. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, the train provides a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation from the bustling city of Chicago to the charming capital of New York.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Chicago to Albany, take advantage of the Amtrak's onboard dining services. The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited operates this route and offers a café car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and meals. If you choose a sleeper option, you may enjoy complimentary meals in the dining car, which features a menu with a variety of hot meals and drinks.
• For seating options, the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited provides various classes of service: First Class, with private rooms and superior amenities; Business Class, which offers spacious seating and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages; and Economy Class, which features comfortable coach seating. Economy is the most budget-friendly option, while First Class provides additional privacy and luxury.
• Upon arriving at Albany-Rensselaer Station, note that it is equipped with restrooms but does not have showers. If you need to leave luggage, Amtrak offers luggage storage services; however, it's advisable to check for availability prior to your trip. To navigate the station effectively, familiarize yourself with its layout using maps available on the Amtrak website: amtrak.com For a quick trip to the Albany city center, utilize the bus service; the CDTA offers Route 3, which runs frequently between the station and downtown.
🛫 Flying from Chicago to Albany is a convenient and quick journey with a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 50 minutes. Airlines like Delta and Southwest operate this route from Chicago Midway Airport to Albany Airport.
🛄 The total travel time from Chicago to Albany by plane is about 4 hours and 58 minutes, offering a relatively efficient way to reach your destination. Whether for business or leisure, flying allows you to cover the distance comfortably and in a timely manner.
💸 When it comes to booking a flight between Albany and Chicago, prices can range from $174 to $709, depending on factors like the airline, time of booking, and availability.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
Albany Airport
🚌 The trip from Chicago to Albany by bus takes around 1 day 7 hours with a distance of 864 mi and 3 transfers. The first step includes a bus towards Washington Union Station, with subsequent stops in Cleveland, Buffalo, Syracuse, and finally Albany.
🚌 Alternatively, travelers can opt for a route that takes 1 day 3 hours, covering 1,146 mi with 2 transfers. This route involves stops in Detroit and New York before reaching Albany Bus Terminal. Both routes are operated by Greyhound, offering convenient and reliable service.
🚌 For a faster journey of 1 day 1 hour, covering 1,043 mi with 2 transfers, passengers can take a bus towards Cleveland, OH, before heading to New York and finally Albany. With detailed schedules and assistance from Greyhound and Barons Bus, travelers can enjoy a smooth and comfortable trip from Chicago to Albany by bus.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to Albany.
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The distance between Chicago and Albany is approximately 1151 km by air and 1319 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By train, it takes about 16 hours and 23 minutes to travel from Chicago to Albany. By taking a flight from Chicago O'Hare and then a bus, the travel time is about 5 hours and 18 minutes. When driving by car, it takes approximately 13 hours and 48 minutes to travel from Albany to Chicago. By bus, the travel time from Chicago to Albany is about 17 hours and 53 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chicago to Albany is by train, with prices ranging from $30 to $250. However, this mode of transportation takes 16h 23m. For a quicker option, flying is the best choice, with prices ranging from $170 to $750 and a travel time of 4h 50m.
The prices for train tickets between Chicago and Albany range from $30 to $250, depending on factors such as the travel class and time of booking. Similarly, bus fares between Albany and Chicago can vary from $17 to $140, depending on the bus company, amenities, and booking conditions.
To get from Chicago to Albany without using public transportation, your best option is to drive. The distance is approximately 1320 km, and it takes around 13 hours and 48 minutes to drive. Depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency, the cost of the drive can range from $140 to $220, including fuel expenses.
To travel from Chicago to Albany without a car, you have a few options. The fastest way is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $170 and $750. Another option is to take a train, which takes around 16 hours and 23 minutes and costs between $30 and $250. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus, which takes around 17 hours and 53 minutes and costs between $17 and $140.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Chicago and Albany. The Amtrak train service operates twice daily and the journey takes approximately 16 hours and 23 minutes. Alternatively, there is no direct bus route, but there are bus services with transfers available that take approximately 17 hours and 53 minutes.
The flight duration between Chicago and Albany typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. However, the cost of the flight can vary between $174 and $709 depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors.
There are several options for accommodations near Albany. With over 131 hotels available, you have a wide range of choices to suit your preferences and budget. Prices start at $39 per night, making it possible to find affordable options.