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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Lawrence to Chicago. The train trip from Lawrence to Chicago is usually about 9 hours and 41 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 447 mi (720 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 41m |
| Lowest price | €70.68 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Southwest Chief |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Lawrence to Chicago?
In the last month, €70.68 was the average price of a train ticket from Lawrence to Chicago. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 12 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €47.59 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
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 12 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Lawrence will be about C€47.59 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Lawrence to Chicago?
Amtrak Southwest Chief is the one and only train line which connects Lawrence to Chicago. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 9h 42m | €101.15 |
The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Lawrence to Chicago in about 9 hours and 42 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Lawrence and Chicago is approximately 447 miles, or 720 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 41 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 from Lawrence to Chicago are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Lawrence at 5:00am and arrives in Chicago around 9 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Lawrence.
City Information
Lawrence
Image credit: Unsplash
Lawrence is the sixth largest city in Kansas and is home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. The city is home to different museums for historical exhibits, art objects from around the world, and hands-on exhibits. Some top museums include the KU Natural History Museum and Watkins Museum of History. Young creatives and students in the city enjoy visits to the Lawrence Arts Center and the Spencer Museum of Art. On the south of Lawrence, nature lovers can go birdwatching on Baker Wetlands, home to hundreds of bird species. Hikers and outdoor lovers can check out the trail in Clinton State Park or go fishing at Clinton Lake.
As a university city popular among students and young professionals, Lawrence boasts a vibrant downtown area with exciting entertainment, shopping, and dining districts. Massachusetts Street has been named one of the most beautiful main streets in the US, where you can find pubs, coffee shops, and shopping centers.
If you're visiting Lawrence, you can do so by train with Amtrak and Amtrak Southwest Chief train services. Book with Greyhound or Jefferson Lines for intercity bus service. The Lawrence Transit system provides public transport across the city for students, locals, and visitors.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Lawrence?
Main departure station: 413 E 7th St
There is one train station in Lawrence.
All train stations in Lawrence:
413 E 7th St
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main arrival 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.
Train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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