5.0
First-time rider. Very impressed. I will be riding again in the future.
First-time rider. Very impressed. I will be riding again in the future.
5.0
I was able to sleep most of the way
I was able to sleep most of the way
Trains from Chicago to Cleveland
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Trip Summary
There are 126 daily trains from Chicago to Cleveland. Traveling by train from Chicago to Cleveland usually takes around 41 hours and 48 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can make the trip in 6 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 307 mi (495 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 5m |
| Lowest price | $62.23 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Cleveland
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Train service from Chicago to Cleveland
- Amtrak tickets: C$79 one-way
- Amtrak Capitol Limited tickets: C$62 one-way
- Amtrak Lake Shore Limited tickets: C$62 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Cleveland?
In the last month, $343.36 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Cleveland. Given how far apart Chicago and Cleveland are from each other, there's no getting around the fact that most train tickets are on the pricier side. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $38.02 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Cleveland will vary between C$315 and C$486. Planning a train trip to Cleveland within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is C$328. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Cleveland by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for December. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$78 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Cleveland in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$296 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
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 Cleveland from Chicago will be about C$38.02 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Chicago to Cleveland?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Cleveland. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 123 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 123 | 1d 18h 40m | $388.63 |
| Amtrak Capitol Limited | 1 | 6h 5m | $137.29 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 7h 8m | $74.08 |
Amtrak
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 123 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Cleveland every day, as well as 91 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $79.
Amtrak Capitol Limited
Passing through seven states, 16 cities, and various National Parks, Amtrak Capitol Limited connects Washington D.C. and Chicago, on 750 miles of railroad. Taking over 17 hours for a complete trip, these trains offer various overnight accommodations and feature panoramic observation cars where passengers can enjoy exceptional scenery. The trains include various options for food; however, WiFi connectivity is not available onboard due to the rural nature of the route.
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited
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 Union Station in Chicago and arrives at 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway in Cleveland. The route takes about 7 hours and 8 minutes and ticket prices start at $62.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Cleveland during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Cleveland?
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Cleveland. 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.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Cleveland?
The distance between Chicago and Cleveland is approximately 307 miles, or 495 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 41 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 5 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.
When are trains the most crowded?
Trains departing from Chicago to Cleveland 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.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Chicago at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from Chicago to Cleveland?
There are 126 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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.
Cleveland
An industrial powerhouse in the past eras, Cleveland offers to the world more than just LeBron James and Halle Berry. Unlike most other big cities, Cleveland still retains its quaint small-town feel, especially as you wander around the Cleveland Metroparks, a system of 21,000 acres of pure nature. For nature lovers, the Cleveland Botanical Garden provides a treasure trove of botanical knowledge and rare plant species. Another must-not-miss spot is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which features exhibitions on the greatest legends such as Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, etc.
For foodies, Cleveland truly is a mecca. The city boasts an array of top chefs and high-class establishments that can bring you an unforgettable experience. For authentic American classics, Sylman’s Deli has everything you need. If you are looking for a more diverse option, head to Momocho for some mouth-watering Mexican indulgences.
Cleveland’s main bus station is located just behind the Playhouse Square Parking Garage in the Theater District. The local Amtrak train station is also located downtown not too far from the bus station. The principal airport in the city is the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which sits 9 miles southwest of Downtown and is located next to the Glenn Research Center.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Main departure station: 500 13th St SE
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 15 stops and stations in Chicago where you can board the train.
All train stations in Chicago:
500 13th St SE
110 10th Ave SW
1301 W 11th St
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
4005 Taylor St
Union Station
400 1st Ave SW
100 S EK Gaylord Blvd
Central Station
Union Station
245 Second St
Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave
Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave
420 4th St N
Union Depot
Where is the train station in Cleveland?
Image credit: Ted Eytan
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
The Amtrak Station on Cleveland Memorial Shoreway is directly adjacent to the NFL Browns’ FirstEnergy Stadium and the expansive Lake Erie beyond. Pro tip: sit on the North side of the train to catch a glimpse of the lake on your way out of town! This station is a stop for Amtrak’s Capitol Limited line from DC to Chicago and the Lake Shore Limited line from Chicago to New York City or Boston. Cleveland’s local Rapid Transit Waterfront Line also serves this station for service within the city. In the immediate area surrounding the station, you’ll find the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, and several hotels and restaurants for convenience during your travels.
Train stations in Cleveland:
200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
Need a return trip from Cleveland to Chicago?
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