Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Lakeland

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Lakeland. Travelling by train from Chicago to Lakeland usually takes 1 day, 17 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 1 day, 15 hours and 58 minutes.

Distance: 1008 mi (1623 km)
Fastest train: 39h 58m
Lowest price: CHF 199.60
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Lakeland Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Lakeland?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Lakeland.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 291.16	Avg. PriceCHF 139.81Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips2	Daily Trips2
Duration	Duration41h 32m	Duration35h 28mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Lakeland:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Lakeland?

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Lakeland cost about CHF 247 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Chicago and Lakeland, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 11 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 256.39 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Lakeland by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Lakeland will cost between CHF 182 and CHF 412. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Lakeland by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Lakeland often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only CHF 261. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Lakeland during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 361 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Lakeland on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 256.39 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Lakeland?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Lakeland. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	43h 5m	CHF 336.78
Amtrak Floridian	1	39h 58m	CHF 245.53

Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Chicago to Lakeland start from CHF 136.13, and on average cost CHF 245.53. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Lakeland. Amtrak Floridian in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Lakeland trains arrive at Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St .
From Chicago to Lakeland train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 1 day, 15 hours and 58 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to Lakeland

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Lakeland. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Lakeland faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Lakeland to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Lakeland for CHF 109.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Lakeland is approximately 1,623 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 17 hours and 32 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 15 hours and 58 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

1008

Distance (km)

1623

The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:40 p.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 6:40 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

6:40pm

Last train

6:40pm

Trains from Chicago to Lakeland are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Lakeland

Lakeland is a city between Tampa and Orlando. It is known for its rich history and architectural sites, especially the Florida Southern College, which has buildings designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. History and art lovers in Lakeland can visit the Polk Museum of Art and check out the collection of artifacts and contemporary paintings. The Munn Park Historic District in Lakeland is another city highlight, boasting early 1900s architecture and a wide range of antique shops.

Downtown Lakeland offers explosive nightlife with a wide range of breweries and taprooms. If you're interested in something new, the city has seen a massive growth of kava bars in its area. The city is also known for its annual Lakeland Festival of Light, where you can join people to light up the mountain.

It is easy to visit Lakeland from other cities by train and bus. Amtrak and FlixBus US provide daily trips from tens of other cities to the town. The Lakeland Area Mass Transit District provides public transportation within the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main departure station: Union Station

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

Union Station

Where is the train station in Lakeland?

Main arrival station: Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St

Lakeland has one train station.

All train stations in Lakeland:

Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St

Need a return trip from Lakeland to Chicago?

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