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Cheap train tickets from Boston to Chicago

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Chiku

Boston to Chicago Train Schedule

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

There are usually 3 daily bus trips from Boston to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$280.42
Avg. Price
$442.17
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
3
Daily Trips
4
Duration
Duration
1d 7h 55m
Duration
23h 58m

Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Boston and Chicago. The average train journey from Boston to Chicago takes 23 hours and 49 minutes, but some Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train trips are as short as 22 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance849 mi (1366 km)
Fastest train22h 15m
Lowest price$152.97
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Boston to Chicago

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Santiago

November 25, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: great and prompt. Cons: wifi did not work.

5.0

JJUMBA

June 26, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Saving us snacks and water. Cons: Keep up. Tips: It's very awesome means of transport I had never travelled with.

5.0

Manitya

January 11, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Very nice and safety that the first priority I choose Amtrak as sole traveler. Keep your. Cons: Keep your standard of the service as good as you are. Tips: Chicago to Los Angeles on January 18, 2022.

5.0

Katie

October 17, 2021

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

SUCH beautiful views along the way!!

5.0

Anastasiia

August 17, 2019- Couples trip

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Everything were perfect. Cons: Sometimes it was too chilly in the train and some issues with WiFi on board. Tips: Pillow and blanket would be great addition for the coach seaters.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Boston to Chicago was $261.46. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $151.71 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Boston to Chicago by travel date

$632$421$211DecDec

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Boston to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between $237 and $620 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Boston is $248.

Monthly avg. prices

$281$225$168$112$56JFMAMJJASOND
Ticket prices for the train from Boston to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $192. If you're thinking of traveling from Boston to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $281 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$456$365$274$182$913020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Boston to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 23 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $151.71 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Boston to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Boston 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11d 16h 12m$353.81
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited222h 19m$362.66
  • 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 Boston to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $199.

  • 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 South Station in Boston and arrives at Chicago (Union Station), Illinois in Chicago. The route takes about 22 hours and 19 minutes and ticket prices start at $153.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Boston to Chicago

The distance between Boston and Chicago is approximately 849 miles, or 1366 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours and 15 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 Boston to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Boston at 12:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Boston twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Boston.

City Information

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

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 Boston?

Main departure station: Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

There are two stations in Boston where you can board the train to Chicago.

All train stations in Boston:

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • South Station

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

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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