Cheap train tickets from Schenectady to Chicago

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Schenectady to Chicago. Travelling by train from Schenectady to Chicago usually takes 15 hours and 39 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance: 701 mi (1129 km)
Fastest train: 15h 39m
Lowest price: CHF 126.94
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines: 1

Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 400+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Schenectady to Chicago Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

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

There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Schenectady to Chicago.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 172.88	Avg. PriceCHF 107.42Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips2	Daily Trips5
Duration	Duration15h 39mFaster	Duration30h 26m

There are several train options that can take you from Schenectady to Chicago:

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited tickets: CHF 127 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Schenectady to Chicago cost about CHF 129 when booked at the cheapest time. 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 1 day prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 63.47 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Schenectady to Chicago by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Schenectady to Chicago will cost between CHF 154 and CHF 220. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Schenectady to Chicago by month

Ticket prices for the train from Schenectady 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 CHF 130. If you're thinking of travelling from Schenectady to Chicago during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 363 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Schenectady to Chicago on Wanderu at least 1 day ahead of time, you can save about CHF 63.47 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Schenectady to Chicago?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited	2	15h 39m	CHF 172.88

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 Schenectady, New York in Schenectady and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 15 hours and 39 minutes and ticket prices start at CHF 126.94.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Schenectady to Chicago

Trains leave the station in Schenectady 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 Schenectady. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Schenectady to Chicago for CHF 81.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Schenectady and Chicago is approximately 1,129 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 39 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.

Distance (mi)

701

Distance (km)

1129

The earliest train departs Schenectady at 7:33 p.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 7:33 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

7:33pm

Last train

7:33pm

Trains from Schenectady to Chicago are the most crowded on Monday. 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 travelling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Schenectady

Schenectady is a city in the Hudson Valley about 20 minutes outside of the New York state capital, Albany. Schenectady is a convenient and exciting place to stay if you want easy access to some of the best Upstate destinations, from Saratoga Springs and Lake George to the Adirondacks.

Dive into the area's history by wandering through The Stockade Historic District, a residential area with over 40 homes that pre-date the American Revolution. Then, to pay homage to more recent history, like Thomas Edison's establishment of General Electric in Schenectady, the Museum of Science and Innovation includes exhibits about outer space, engineering and design, inventions, and technology. And remember to stop and smell the roses at the Central Park Rose Garden!

Schenectady is well-connected to other Upstate New York destinations via Trailways buses, including Adirondack Trailways. Intercity buses also provide service to New York City in just over 3 hours. Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf, Empire Service, and Ethan Allen Express stop in Schenectady with connections to Buffalo, Chicago, Washington, and more. For those who prefer to fly, Albany International Airport is the closest airport to Schenectady.

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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, 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 Schenectady?

Main departure station: Schenectady, New York

There is one train station in Schenectady.

All train stations in Schenectady:

Schenectady, New York

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Union Station

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.

All train stations in Chicago:

Union Station

Need a return trip from Chicago to Schenectady?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Schenectady

Schenectady to Montreal TrainCHF 42+
Schenectady to Washington DC TrainCHF 111+
Schenectady to Springfield TrainCHF 23+
Schenectady to Newark TrainCHF 86+
Schenectady to Buffalo TrainCHF 45+
Schenectady to Niagara Falls TrainCHF 57+
Schenectady to Rochester TrainCHF 38+
Schenectady to Syracuse TrainCHF 27+
Schenectady to Yonkers TrainCHF 46+

Schenectady to Hartford TrainCHF 32+
Schenectady to Boston TrainCHF 100+
Schenectady to Baltimore TrainCHF 139+
Schenectady to Trenton TrainCHF 83+
Schenectady to New York TrainCHF 59+
Schenectady to Poughkeepsie TrainCHF 29+
Schenectady to Saratoga Springs TrainCHF 20+
Schenectady to Utica TrainCHF 19+
Schenectady, NY to Burlington, VT TrainCHF 44+

Continue by train from Chicago

Check out these popular routes

Vancouver to Seattle TrainCHF 51+
Toronto to New York TrainCHF 142+
Los Angeles to San Diego TrainCHF 32+
Washington DC to Baltimore TrainCHF 21+
Portland, ME to Seattle, WA TrainCHF 372+
New York to Montreal TrainCHF 77+
Portland to Seattle TrainCHF 43+
Providence to Syracuse TrainCHF 118+
Seattle, WA to Vancouver, WA TrainCHF 43+

Ottawa to Toronto TrainCHF 38+
Montreal to New York TrainCHF 77+
San Diego to Los Angeles TrainCHF 31+
Baltimore to Washington DC TrainCHF 22+
Charlotte to Raleigh TrainCHF 28+
Rensselaer to New York TrainCHF 58+
Providence to New Rochelle TrainCHF 44+
Seattle to New York TrainCHF 518+
Vancouver, WA to Seattle, WA TrainCHF 42+

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.