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Rochester to Chicago train

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Rochester - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Rochester to Chicago. The train trip from Rochester to Chicago is usually about 11 hours and 43 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance518 mi (833 km)
Fastest train11h 43m
Lowest price$68.73
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Rochester to Chicago

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.4

4.0

Sharon

February 28, 2024- Business

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Traveling during early mornings. Cons: Unclean bathroom. I had to clean it before using it. Tips: Carry sanitize wipes with you to clean bathroom .

4.0

John P

March 11, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Bring good pillows, blankets on all overnight trips. Noise canceling headphones and a sleep mask would help you get a more solid night sleep.

5.0

Trac

December 16, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Very informative on time courteous

5.0

Sabania

December 3, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Ride with train. Cons: I'm back again to Rochester NY. Tips: My travel to Chicago it's wanderingful .

Price trends for trains from Rochester to Chicago

Monthly average prices

$168$135$101$67$34AMJJASONDJFM

Prices as travel date approaches

$270$216$162$108$543020100

Which train should you take from Rochester to Chicago?

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is the one and only train line which connects Rochester to Chicago. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited211h 43m$178.91
  • 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 Louise M. Slaughter Station in Rochester and arrives at Chicago (Union Station), Illinois in Chicago. The route takes about 11 hours and 43 minutes and ticket prices start at $69.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Rochester and Chicago is approximately 518 miles, or 833 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 43 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 Rochester to Chicago on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Rochester at 11:00pm 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.

Trains leave the station in Rochester 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 Rochester.

City Information

Rochester

Rochester, NY

Image credit: Ryan Hyde

Link to image attribution

Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.

Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.

The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louis M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.

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 Rochester?

Louise M. Slaughter Station - ROCAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

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Main departure station: Louise M. Slaughter Station

Opened in 2017, the Louise M. Slaughter Station Rochester is nearly brand new. It serves three Amtrak train lines: the Lake Shore Limited, the Empire Service, and the Maple Leaf. The station was renamed Louise M. Slaughter Station in honor of U.S. Representative Louise M. Slaughter, who died in March 2018. This intermodal transit station is connected to the rest of the area via transit buses and taxis. Spread across 9,500 square feet, Louise M. Slaughter Station has a classic red brick design, with cast stone and granite used in various places. At the station, you will find an indoor waiting area with plenty of seats. There are also several vending machines, an ATM, and restroom facilities.

All train stations in Rochester:

  • Louise M. Slaughter Station

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

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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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