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Chicago, IL, USA to Philadelphia, PA, USA from $39: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Chicago, United States
to
Philadelphia, United States

How to Get from Chicago to Philadelphia: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$39 by trainBest price
1072.9 kmDistance
4h 14m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Philadelphia 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  14m
Estimated price
$42-432
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
19h  13m
Estimated price
$39-660
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1072.9 km
Duration: 4h 14m

See more options

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
25h  56m
Estimated price
$40-310
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  23m
Estimated price
$62-657
Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
20h  45m
Estimated price
$89-210
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  33m
Estimated price
$98-492
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  42m
Estimated price
$130-1033
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
12h  28m
Estimated price
$130-200
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  1m
Estimated price
$131-477
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Traveling From Chicago to Philadelphia

The journey from Chicago to Philadelphia offers a stark contrast, with Chicago's vibrant skyline and deep-dish pizza leading to Philadelphia's rich historical tapestry and iconic cheesesteaks.

Best Neighbourhoods in Philadelphia

Philadelphia boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and charm.

Old City
• Home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and theaters.
Rittenhouse Square
• Upscale dining and shopping options abound here.
• Lush park ideal for leisurely strolls.
Fishtown
• Known for its trendy bars and music venues.
• Thriving food scene with innovative eateries.

Best Times To Visit Philadelphia's Attractions

Planning your visit to Philadelphia involves timing your stops at popular attractions for the best experience.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds and a peaceful experience.
Liberty Bell
Late afternoon visits often see shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Reading Terminal Market
Midweek mornings strike the perfect balance of lively energy and manageable foot traffic.

Philadelphia Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Philadelphia experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and chilly winters, making spring and fall the most inviting seasons for travel. Being aware of the weather conditions can greatly enhance your sightseeing experience, as mild temperatures allow for enjoyable outdoor exploration.

Dining Recommendation in Philadelphia

When in Philadelphia, try the iconic Philly cheesesteak from Pat's King of Steaks, where fresh local ingredients blend into a flavorful experience unlike Chicago's rich, cheesy deep-dish pizza. The lively atmosphere and the authentic flavors of this classic dish showcase the city's unique culinary identity, offering a taste of its vibrant culture.

Chicago - Philadelphia operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Philadelphia, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Contact phone
null
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Philadelphia (PHL)

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$110-400
Contact phone
null
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Philadelphia (PHL)

Average Duration
1h 57m
Estimated price
$35-390

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Philadelphia (PHL)

Average Duration
2h 3m
Estimated price
$85-500
Contact phone
null
Website
aa.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Philadelphia (PHL)

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$160-600
Contact phone
null
Website
delta.com

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Philadelphia (PHL)

Average Duration
4h 32m
Estimated price
$150-490
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/acela-train

Train from Washington Union Station to 30th Street Station

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$35-420
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Chicago Union Station to Rockville Amtrak

Average Duration
16h 36m
Estimated price
$30-240

Train from Rockville Amtrak to 30th Street Station

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$21-210
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Chicago Union Station to 30th Street Station

Average Duration
25h 56m
Estimated price
$40-310
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Baltimore Downtown Bus Station

Average Duration
17h 50m
Estimated price
$80-170

Bus from Baltimore Downtown Bus Station to Philadelphia

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$11-45
Contact phone
1-800-343-9999
Website
https://peterpanbus.com

Bus from Baltimore Downtown Bus Terminal to 520 N Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$5-40

Chicago to Philadelphia: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chicago and Philadelphia 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 a scenic road trip spanning 1226.3 km from the bustling city of Chicago to the historical charm of Philadelphia, taking approximately 12 hours and 28 minutes. 💰 Enjoy flexibility in pricing, with the cost of the journey ranging from $130 to $200, offering budget-friendly options for travelers making their way from Chicago to Philadelphia by car.
Average price
$130 - $200
🚆 Traveling by train from Chicago to Philadelphia offers a scenic and leisurely journey. The direct train service operated by Amtrak takes approximately 25 hours and 56 minutes, departing from Chicago Union Station and arriving at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. 🎫 Tickets for the train ride between the two cities can range from $39 to $660, providing travelers with various options based on their budget and preferences. The train service operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, offering flexibility in travel scheduling for passengers.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
30th Street Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the Amtrak Cardinal, which serves the Chicago to Philadelphia route, there are onboard catering services offering a selection of meals, snacks, and beverages in the Café Car. Breakfast is usually served until 11 AM, with lunch and dinner options available as well. You can also enjoy complimentary coffee and tea in the Lounge Car during your journey.
• Amtrak offers three classes of seating: Business Class, which provides spacious seats and additional legroom, Economy Class, which offers standard seating for budget-conscious travelers, and First Class, usually available on longer journeys. For this route, you will primarily find Economy and Business Class options, with Business Class featuring wider seats and power outlets.
• For your journey from Chicago to Philadelphia, Amtrak is the primary operator available. You can find more details on their website: Amtrak. If you wish to explore other options, check Metra for local commutes within Chicago or look into regional carriers for connecting services.
🛫 Traveling from Chicago to Philadelphia by plane is a quick and convenient option, with direct flights taking only 1 hour and 50 minutes. 🌆 The flight duration of 4 hours and 14 minutes allows you to comfortably reach Philadelphia from Chicago, with ticket prices ranging from $42 to $432 depending on the airline and booking time.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
Philadelphia Airport
Expect a journey of approximately 20 hours and 45 minutes with transfers at Baltimore Downtown Bus Station. 🚏 The route options vary in duration and number of transfers, with distances ranging from 1310.0 km to 1641.5 km. 🎫 Prices for the bus between Chicago and Philadelphia typically range from $89 to $210, offering a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore the cities by road.
Departure Point
Chicago Bus Station
Arrival Point
Philadelphia station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When planning your transfer at Baltimore Downtown Bus Station, be sure to allow at least 30 minutes between arrivals and departures to comfortably navigate between bus gates and grab a quick snack or drink.
• Consider taking Route 2 via Cleveland and Washington for a slightly shorter journey (19h 50m), but confirm your travel times in advance as schedules can vary, and you can check Greyhound's site for real-time updates: greyhound.com
• Upon arrival at Philadelphia Bus Station, you'll find it conveniently located near public transportation options like SEPTA trains and buses; use the official SEPTA website to plan your next steps: septa.org

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chicago to Philadelphia.

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The distance between Chicago and Philadelphia is approximately 1073.4 km or 1226.6 km by road. Travel times vary depending on mode of transportation. It takes around 19 hours and 13 minutes to travel by train, around 5 hours and 22 minutes by flying from Chicago Midway to Baltimore and then taking a train, around 4 hours and 13 minutes by plane, around 12 hours and 28 minutes by car, and around 20 hours and 25 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chicago to Philadelphia is by train, with prices ranging from $40 to $310. It takes approximately 25 hours and 56 minutes to reach Philadelphia. However, for a more time-efficient option, flying is the fastest way to travel, taking only 4 hours and 13 minutes with prices ranging from $40 to $360.
The prices of a train ticket between Chicago and Philadelphia vary from $39 to $660, depending on factors such as the class of travel and the time of booking. The prices of a bus ticket between Philadelphia and Chicago range from $89 to $204, with variations based on factors such as the bus company and the date of travel.
To get from Chicago to Philadelphia without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 1226.3 km, which takes approximately 12 hours and 28 minutes. The cost of driving can vary from $130 to $200, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Chicago to Philadelphia without a car is by train via Washington, which takes approximately 19 hours and 13 minutes and costs between $35 and $700. Another option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 13 minutes and costs between $40 and $360. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, which takes about 20 hours and 25 minutes and costs between $85 and $210.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Chicago and Philadelphia. The train departs from Chicago Union Station and arrives at Philadelphia station with a journey time of approximately 25 hours and 56 minutes. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities, so travelers would need to make a transfer in Baltimore, MD, with a total journey time of approximately 20 hours and 25 minutes.
The flight between Chicago and Philadelphia typically takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. There are direct flights available from Chicago Midway Airport to Philadelphia Airport. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, with prices ranging from $42 to $352.
There are numerous hotel options available near Philadelphia with over 626+ hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $51 per night, offering a range of options to suit various budgets.