5.0
In time. No problems at all
5.0
Pros: Food.Comfy seats!And coffee:)))). Cons: More clean bathrooms. Tips: Everything was great!
Lowest Prices
We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Chicago to Rensselaer. The train trip from Chicago to Rensselaer is usually about 18 hours and 5 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can get you there in as little as 16 hours and 23 minutes.
| Distance | 711 mi (1145 km) |
| Fastest train | 16h 23m |
| Lowest price | US$82.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Rensselaer
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Rensselaer?
The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to Rensselaer is US$102.89, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 29 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay US$436.55 more.
Monthly average prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Chicago to Rensselaer, with the average price at just US$105. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in June, when the average price goes up to US$158. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Rensselaer from Chicago will be about CUS$436.55 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Chicago to Rensselaer?
2 train services operate from Chicago to Rensselaer. Amtrak Lake Shore Limited usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 21h 24m | US$138.15 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 16h 23m | US$130.86 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Rensselaer every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$92.
The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is an overnight train that runs along some of the best shorelines in the U.S., connecting New York City and Boston with Chicago. The service provides top-tier amenities to its passengers, including free WiFi and dining onboard. The Lake Shore Limited departs from Chicago (Union Station), Illinois in Chicago and arrives at Albany-Rensselaer Train Station in Rensselaer. The route takes about 16 hours and 23 minutes and ticket prices start at US$82.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Rensselaer. 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.
The distance between Chicago and Rensselaer is approximately 711 miles, or 1145 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 16 hours and 23 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.
Trains departing from Chicago to Rensselaer tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Rensselaer. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Rensselaer to Chicago.
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 neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, 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.
Rensselaer
Rensselaer is a small town located just across the Hudson River from the New York State capital, Albany. The Amtrak train station that serves Albany is actually located within Rensselaer, so many commuters and vacationers alike will pass through the city when traveling in the Hudson River Valley.
Rensselaer itself boasts a rich industrial tradition, and it was known as a major railway hub in the 19th century. One of the appealing local attractions in town is the Crailo State Historic Site. The site is a manor house, built in 1707, that today serves as a museum dedicated to the culture of Dutch colonists in New York State. More museums, activities, parks, and sights are waiting just across the river in Albany for the curious traveler.
The city of Rensselaer is an important transportation hub for Amtrak trains throughout the region, which include the Amtrak Empire Service, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Ethan Allen Express. Between these services, Amtrak connects Rensselaer to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and beyond. The nearest airport to the city is the Albany International Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
10251 St Edwards Dr
Pacific Central Station
Where is the train station in Rensselaer?
Main arrival station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
Rensselaer has one train station.
Train stations in Rensselaer:
Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
Get around town with Moovit
Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in Rensselaer. Download here
Need a return trip from Rensselaer to Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
- Chicago to Phoenix Train
US$313+
- Chicago to Miami
US$360+
- Chicago to Orlando Train
US$337+
- Chicago to Detroit Train
US$60+
- Chicago to Holland Train
US$37+
- Train from Chicago to St Louis
US$37+
- Chicago to Las Vegas Train
US$168+
- Train from Chicago to Buffalo
US$105+
- Chicago to New York Train
US$156+
- Chicago to Memphis Train
US$97+
- Chicago to Columbus Train
US$37+
Continue by train from Rensselaer
Check out these popular routes
- Hartford to New York
US$39+
- New Haven to Boston Train
US$49+
- Chicago to Detroit Train
US$60+
- Detroit to Toronto Train
US$118+
- Buffalo to New York Train
US$77+
- New York to Toronto Train
US$142+
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more