How to travel from New York to Chicago, United States of America

The distance between New York and Chicago is around 749 miles (1,205km) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 40m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from New York to Chicago by plane, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out ChicagoNew York if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Newark (EWR) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD).

  • Duration3h 40m
  • Flight time2h 30m
  • Typical cost
    $205
Operated by

United Airlines

+ 3 others

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
bus
+
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Indianapolis IN and then to Chicago IL.

  • Duration15hrs
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    $190
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
3
train
+

Train

Take the train to Chicago Union Station.

  • Duration19h 30m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    $120
4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Chicago.

  • Duration13h 5m
  • Distance789 miles (1,270km)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between New York and Chicago

There are several options for getting from New York to Chicago by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around $120 and will take around 19h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $205.

The distance between New York and Chicago is around 749 miles (1,205km). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 711 miles (1,144km)

It takes around 3h 40m to get from New York and Chicago by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 13h 5m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from New York to Chicago is to fly which takes around 3h 40m and will set you back approx $205.

The cheapest way to travel between New York and Chicago, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around $120 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between New York and Chicago. It typically takes around 19h 30m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between New York and Chicago with no changeovers required. The train runs once daily and takes 19h 30m.

Amtrak run train services between New York and Chicago. Trains depart once daily and will take around 19h 30m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from New York and Chicago. It typically takes around 15hrs and departs 3 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from New York to Chicago. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Indianapolis IN and Ctc-R. These services run 3 times a week and will take a minimum of 15hrs.

Indiana Travel Express, Palmland Bus Lines, Flixbus USA, OurBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and Greyhound USA run regular bus services between New York and Chicago. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 15hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from New York and Chicago. Flights depart from Newark (EWR) and arrive at Chicago O'Hare (ORD). The flight takes around 2h 30m.

Yes there is a direct flight between New York and Chicago with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 2h 30m.

United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta and JetBlue Airways fly between New York and Chicago. Flights depart from Newark (EWR) and and arrive into Chicago O'Hare (ORD). These flights usually take around 2h 30m.

The flight from New York to Chicago typically takes around 2h 30m. Flights depart from Newark (EWR) and and arrive into Chicago O'Hare (ORD).

The closest major airport to Chicago is Midway International Airport (MDW) (MDW) which is approximately 14km (9 miles) from Chicago. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) (ORD) and South Bend Regional (SBN) (SBN) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from New York and Chicago. The distance is around 789 miles (1,270km) by road and it will take around 13h 5m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from New York to Chicago is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 40m and will usually cost around $205.

How do I get from New York to Chicago

Compare travel optionsbetween New York and Chicago

Transport options from New York to Chicago
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
3h 40m
$205
every 30 mins1,205km (749 miles)
Fly to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)3h 55m
$180
every 15 mins1,243km (772 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
15hrs
$190
3 times a week1,450km (901 miles)
Bus via Baltimore Downtown Bus Terminal, Baltimore, MD22h 10m
$155
once daily1,561km (970 miles)
Train
19h 30m
$120
once daily1,539km (956 miles)
Drive
13h 5m
$78
on demand1,270km (789 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between New York and Chicago

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Chicago

The following major airports near Chicago offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United States of America and internationally.

MDW
Midway International Airport (MDW)
International Airport
Distance
9 miles (14km) from Chicago
ORD
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
International Airport
Distance
16 miles (26km) from Chicago
SBN
South Bend Regional (SBN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
69 miles (110km) from Chicago