Amtrak · Long-Distance
Cardinal
New York to Chicago the scenic way — through Virginia’s Blue Ridge and the New River Gorge, one of the prettiest stretches of track in the East.
Train numbers
50 / 51
End-to-end
27h 55m · 1,834 km
Frequency
3× weekly (Sun·Wed·Fri from New York)
On-time
~61%
Route & indicative timetable
Outbound departure 06:45 · return departs 17:45
- New York Moynihan Train Hall NYP
New York, New York
dep 06:45
- Philadelphia 30th Street Station PHL
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
arr 08:15 dep 08:15
- Washington Union Station WAS
Washington DC, District of Columbia
arr 11:30 dep 11:55
- Cincinnati Union Terminal CIN
Cincinnati, Ohio
arr 06:45 dep 06:45+1 day
- Chicago Union Station CHI
Chicago, Illinois
arr 10:40 +1 day
Classes & indicative end-to-end fares
Coach
Reserved reclining seat
indicative
Roomette (Sleeper)
Private room for 1–2
indicative
- Coach: Reserved reclining seat · Power outlets · Big luggage allowance
- Roomette (Sleeper): Private room for 1–2 · All meals included · Beds + daytime seating
Onboard amenities
Amtrak policies
- Baggage:
- Two personal items + two carry-on bags free (25 lb / 50 lb limits); up to four checked bags (two free) on routes with checked-baggage service.
- Pets:
- Dogs and cats up to 20 lb (pet + carrier) allowed on most routes up to 7 hours in a carrier, $29–$39 fee, book in advance — not on Auto Train or in sleepers.
- Bikes:
- Trainside or checked bike service on most routes for $10–$20; folding bikes ride free as carry-on. Reserve a bike space when booking.
- Refunds:
- Fully refundable up to 24h after purchase; after that, refundability depends on fare family (Flex fully refundable, Value 75% or eCredit, Saver 50% eCredit within window).
- Accessibility:
- Accessible seating/bedrooms on every train, wheelchair assistance at staffed stations, 10% rail-fare discount for passengers with a disability.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Cardinal take?
The full run from New York Moynihan Train Hall to Chicago Union Station is scheduled at about 27h 55m. It operates 3× weekly (sun·wed·fri from new york).
How much is a ticket on the Cardinal?
Indicative end-to-end fares start at $120 in Coach, rising through Roomette (Sleeper). Fares are dynamic — we confirm exact pricing at booking.
Is food available on the Cardinal?
Yes — a café car sells drinks, snacks and light meals.
Can I take luggage on the Cardinal?
Two personal items + two carry-on bags free (25 lb / 50 lb limits); up to four checked bags (two free) on routes with checked-baggage service.
Are pets allowed on the Cardinal?
Dogs and cats up to 20 lb (pet + carrier) allowed on most routes up to 7 hours in a carrier, $29–$39 fee, book in advance — not on Auto Train or in sleepers.
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Schedules and fares shown are indicative, compiled from official operator timetables. Rail operators adjust timings, fares and running days without notice — our rail desk confirms live availability and exact pricing before any booking is ticketed.