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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Boston to South Bend. The train trip from Boston to South Bend is usually about 20 hours and 11 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can get you there in as little as 20 hours and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 780 mi (1256 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 7m |
| Lowest price | US$55.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Boston to South Bend?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Boston and South Bend cost US$95.50, on average. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around US$101.94 more.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Boston to South Bend, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save US$101.94 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Boston to South Bend?
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is the one and only train line which connects Boston to South Bend. 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 Lake Shore Limited | 1 | 20h 12m | US$157.08 |
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 2702 W Washington St in South Bend. The route takes about 20 hours and 12 minutes and ticket prices start at US$55.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Boston and South Bend is approximately 780 miles, or 1256 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 7 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Boston to South Bend on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Boston at 12:00pm and arrives in South Bend around 20 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to South Bend 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 South Bend 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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Boston?
Image credit: Tony Hisgett
Link to image attribution
Main departure station: South Station
South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.
All train stations in Boston:
South Station
Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
Where is the train station in South Bend?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 2702 W Washington St
The 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.
Train stations in South Bend:
2702 W Washington St
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Need a return trip from South Bend to Boston?
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