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

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from
Chicago, United States of America
to
Philadelphia, United States of America

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 striking contrast between the vibrant skyline and lively culture of the Windy City and the rich history and charming streets of the City of Brotherly Love.

Best Neighbourhoods in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's neighborhoods each offer distinct character and attractions for visitors.

Center City
• Home to iconic sites like Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
• Bustling with shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Fishtown
• Known for its trendy cafes, art galleries, and music venues.
• A hotspot for innovative dining and local breweries.
South Philadelphia
• Famous for its delicious cheesesteaks and Italian markets.
• Rich in cultural festivals and diverse communities.

Best Times To Visit Philadelphia's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Philadelphia's top spots.

Liberty Bell
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid large crowds.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Weekdays are less busy, allowing for a more leisurely exploration.
Reading Terminal Market
Late mornings and early afternoons provide the best food selection and fewer tourists.

Philadelphia Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Philadelphia experiences a humid subtropical climate, marked by cold winters and warm summers, making spring and fall the most pleasant seasons to visit. Be prepared for occasional rain and fluctuating temperatures, as these factors can impact outdoor plans and sightseeing opportunities.

Dining Recommendation

For a true taste of Philadelphia, try a classic cheesesteak at Pat's King of Steaks, where the combination of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and soft bread creates a hearty experience quite different from Chicago's deep-dish pizza. The bustling atmosphere and emphasis on local ingredients add a unique flavor to dining in Philadelphia that reflects the city's rich culinary history.

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 from Chicago to Philadelphia, covering a distance of 762 miles. The journey offers diverse landscapes and exciting pit stops along the way. 💰 Enjoy flexibility in your budget as the cost of driving from Chicago to Philadelphia ranges from $130 to $200, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls. 🌆 Arrive in Philadelphia after approximately 12 hours and 28 minutes of driving, ready to explore the historic city's vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and delicious culinary scene.
Average price
$130 - $200
🚆 Traveling by train from Chicago to Philadelphia brings a scenic journey through the heart of the Northeast. The direct train service operated by Amtrak offers departures from Chicago Union Station to 30th Street Station three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with a total travel time of approximately 25 hours and 56 minutes. 🎫 The prices for this train route vary from $39 to $660, offering a range of options to suit different budgets. If you prefer a route with transfers, there are several options available, each with its own unique travel experience and duration. Whether you choose a direct journey or opt for a route with transfers, the train trip from Chicago to Philadelphia promises a comfortable and relaxing way to explore the scenic landscapes along the way.
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.
🛫 Flying from Chicago Midway Airport to Philadelphia Airport is quick and convenient, with direct flights taking just 1 hour and 50 minutes. Several airlines, including Frontier, Delta, and Southwest, offer this route. 🧳 The total travel time from Chicago to Philadelphia by plane is approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes, making it a popular choice for those looking to reach their destination efficiently. 💸 Prices for flights between Philadelphia and Chicago can vary widely, ranging from $42 to $432.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
Philadelphia Airport
🚌 The journey from Chicago to Philadelphia by bus takes approximately 20 hours and 45 minutes with a transfer in Baltimore Downtown Bus Station. Greyhound USA operates the Chicago to Philadelphia bus services. 🛣️ Route options vary in duration and transfers. One route includes a transfer in Cleveland and Washington, taking about 19 hours and 50 minutes to reach Philadelphia. Another route goes through Baltimore, lasting approximately 23 hours. 💰 Prices for Chicago to Philadelphia bus tickets range from $89 to $210. It's essential to plan ahead and choose a route that suits your travel preferences and schedule.
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 667 miles by air and 762.2 miles by road. Traveling by plane is the quickest option, taking around 4 hours and 13 minutes. Train travel takes approximately 19 hours and 13 minutes, while taking a combination of flying and train can take around 5 hours and 22 minutes. Driving by car takes around 12 hours and 28 minutes, and traveling by bus takes approximately 20 hours and 25 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chicago to Philadelphia is by train, with ticket prices ranging from $40 to $310. However, this mode of transportation also has the longest travel time, taking approximately 25 hours and 56 minutes. On the other hand, the fastest way to reach Philadelphia is by flying, with a travel time of just 4 hours and 13 minutes. Flight prices for this route range from $40 to $360. In terms of both cost and time efficiency, flying is the recommended option.
The prices for a train ticket between Chicago and Philadelphia range from $39 to $660, depending on the class and accommodations chosen. For bus travel between Philadelphia and Chicago, prices vary from $89 to $204, depending on the operator and type of service. It is advisable to check with specific train or bus companies for accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Chicago to Philadelphia without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 762 miles, and it takes around 12 hours and 28 minutes to drive. However, keep in mind that the prices for gas and tolls may vary, ranging from $130 to $200, depending on the specific route and vehicle fuel efficiency.
To travel from Chicago to Philadelphia without a car, the best option is to take a train via Washington, which takes around 19 hours and 13 minutes and costs $35-$700. Alternatively, you can fly directly from Chicago to Philadelphia, which takes around 4 hours and 13 minutes and costs $40-$360. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 20 hours and 25 minutes and costs $85-$210. Overall, there are several convenient transportation options available for traveling between these two cities without a car.
Yes, there is a direct link between Chicago and Philadelphia. Amtrak operates a train service that departs from Chicago Union Station three times a week and arrives in Philadelphia, with a travel time of approximately 25 hours and 56 minutes. Alternatively, there is no direct bus from Chicago to Philadelphia, but Greyhound USA and Peter Pan Bus Lines provide services with transfers in Baltimore, MD, taking approximately 20 hours and 25 minutes.
The flight between Chicago and Philadelphia typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes on a direct flight. However, the cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and any additional services or amenities. On average, the prices for a flight between Philadelphia and Chicago range from $42 to $352.
There are numerous options for accommodations near Philadelphia. With over 626 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in the area start at $51 per night. Whether you are looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, there are plenty of choices available for a comfortable stay near Philadelphia.

Trips from Chicago

Trips to Philadelphia