Albany, NY, USA to Chicago, IL, USA from $30: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$30 by trainBest price

1319 kmDistance

5h 27m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

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Albany - Chicago operators

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

Plane

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Albany (ALB) to Chicago Midway (MDW)

Average Duration

2h 17m

Estimated price

$1745-1746

Plane from Albany (ALB) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

2h 47m

Estimated price

$1747-7081

Website

united.com

Plane from Albany (ALB) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

2h 36m

Estimated price

$7087-7088

Website

delta.com

Plane from Albany (ALB) to Chicago Midway (MDW)

Average Duration

4h 3m

Estimated price

$1747-1748

Plane from Albany (ALB) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

4h 27m

Estimated price

$7084-1749

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

16h 7m

Estimated price

$30-250

Train from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station to New York Penn Station

Average Duration

2h 35m

Estimated price

$7089-300

Train from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station to Utica Amtrak Station

Average Duration

1h 40m

Estimated price

$309-2500

Bus

Contact phone

+1-844-800-6828

Website

ourbus.com

Bus from Utica, NY to Syracuse Airport, NY

Average Duration

Estimated price

$1343-2505

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

Traveling between Albany and Chicago 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 from Albany to Chicago covering a distance of 820 miles. Take in the changing landscapes as you journey towards the vibrant city of Chicago. 💸 The cost of driving from Albany to Chicago ranges from $140 to $220, providing an affordable transportation option for those looking to explore the Midwest by car. ⏰ Enjoy a roughly 13-hour and 48-minute drive from Albany to Chicago, with plenty of opportunities to make pit stops, soak in the sights, and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Average price

$140 - $220

🚆 Experience a scenic journey from Albany to Chicago by train in approximately 16 hours and 7 minutes. Departing twice daily from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station, enjoy the comfort and convenience of this direct service operated by Amtrak. 💸 Ticket prices for the Albany to Chicago train route range from $30 to $250, providing options for different budgets. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey as you travel between these two vibrant cities by rail.

Departure Point

Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station

Arrival Point

Chicago Union Station

🛫 Flying from Albany to Chicago is a quick and convenient journey, with a direct flight lasting just 2 hours and 15 minutes. 🌆 The total travel time from Albany to Chicago by plane is approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes, making it a feasible option for those looking to reach the Windy City efficiently. Flight prices can range from $174 to $708, offering a range of options for different budgets.

Departure Point

Albany Airport

Arrival Point

Chicago Midway Airport

🚌 Embark on an exciting journey from Albany to Chicago covering a distance of 1,115 miles with 3 transfers along the way. ⏳ With a total travel time of 1 day and 3 hours, this bus adventure offers a scenic route through multiple cities, providing a unique perspective of the diverse landscapes across the Northeastern United States.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Albany to Chicago.

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The distance between Albany and Chicago is approximately 1150.7 km by air and 1319.3 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes 16 hours and 7 minutes to reach Chicago from Albany. By taking a combination of train and bus to Syracuse, followed by a bus to Chicago, the travel time is approximately 7 hours and 38 minutes. By plane, the journey takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes. Lastly, by car, it takes around 13 hours and 48 minutes to travel from Albany to Chicago, while by bus, the journey can take up to 16 hours and 59 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Albany to Chicago is by train. Though it takes longer, it offers a more affordable price range of $30-$250. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option would be to fly, which takes just 5h 20m. While the cost may be higher, ranging from $170-$750, it is the most time-efficient way to reach Chicago from Albany.

The prices for traveling between Albany and Chicago vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. For a train journey, prices can range from $30 to $250. Meanwhile, bus fares can vary from $17 to $144.

To travel from Albany to Chicago without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The road distance is 1319.7 km and it takes approximately 13 hours and 48 minutes to complete the journey. Rental cars are available and the prices range from $140 to $220.

The best way to travel from Albany to Chicago without a car is by train. It takes approximately 16 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $30 and $250. Another option is to fly, which takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $170 and $750. If you prefer a cheaper option, you can also take a bus, which takes around 16 hours and 59 minutes and costs between $16 and $150.

Yes, there is a direct train link between Albany and Chicago. The train journey takes approximately 16 hours and 7 minutes and operates twice daily. However, there is no direct bus link between Albany and Chicago, but you can take a bus with transfers which takes approximately 16 hours and 59 minutes.

The flight between Albany and Chicago typically takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $174 and $708 depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors.

There are over 1116 hotels available in Chicago, offering a range of options for every budget. Prices for hotels in Chicago start at $58 and vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and time of year. Some popular areas to stay in Chicago include downtown, the Magnificent Mile, and the Loop, which offer convenient access to attractions, restaurants, and shopping.