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There are 3 daily trains from South Bend to Chicago. Traveling by train from South Bend to Chicago usually takes around 2 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can make the trip in one hour and 54 minutes.
| Distance | 72 mi (116 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 54m |
| Lowest price | US$16.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 2 |
Overall score for trains from South Bend to Chicago
(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Comodidad y atención. Cons: Todo bien. Tips: Es fácil tomar el tren.
5.0
Pros: No stops. Direct and short. Cons: Everything was taken care of in my opinion. Tips: Be on time. Travel light in case you have a long walk in to the terminal.
5.0
Pros: It was cheap. Cons: Over two hours late! Wasted money on an uber when I could have walked and still been on time. Tips: Use the South Shore Line instead!
Over the past month, a train ticket between South Bend and Chicago cost US$20.00, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 16 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around US$13.79 more.
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from South Bend to Chicago will vary between CUS$21 and CUS$40. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from South Bend over the next 7 days is CUS$21. 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.
If you're looking to save on your train trip from South Bend to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 16 days in advance. That way, you’ll save US$13.79 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
2 train services operate from South Bend to Chicago. 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 Capitol Limited | 1 | 1h 55m | US$27.38 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 2h 6m | US$26.25 |
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.
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 2702 W Washington St in South Bend and arrives at Chicago (Union Station), Illinois in Chicago. The route takes about 2 hours and 6 minutes and ticket prices start at US$16.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from South Bend to Chicago on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs South Bend at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. 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 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from South Bend to Chicago.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to South Bend.
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.
Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!
South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several bus stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.
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.
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionThe South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of "Michiana," the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.
2702 W Washington St
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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