Cheap train tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago. Travelling by train from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago usually takes 2 days, 1 hour and 27 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 1 day, 22 hours and 2 minutes.

Distance: 1169 mi (1881 km)
Fastest train: 46h 2m
Lowest price: US$170.00
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Fort Lauderdale to Chicago Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago?

There are usually 10 daily coach trips from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago.

	Train	Coach
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceUS$425.80	Avg. PriceUS$204.70Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips10
Duration	Duration49h 27m	Duration36h 5mFaster

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

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago cost about US$339 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Fort Lauderdale and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 10 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$303.47 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago will cost between US$228 and US$1,068. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago by month

Ticket prices for the train from Fort Lauderdale 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 US$328. If you're thinking of travelling from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$482 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time, you can save about US$303.47 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	50h 56m	US$481.09
Amtrak Floridian	1	46h 6m	US$300.68

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago every day, as well as 3 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$241.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago start from US$140, and on average cost US$300.68. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Chicago. Amtrak Floridian in Fort Lauderdale leaves from Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter. And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station.
From Fort Lauderdale to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 1 day, 22 hours and 6 minutes. If you are looking to get to Chicago faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express service options with a travel time of 1 day, 22 hours and 2 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Chicago on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost US$140 for a one-way weekend reservation from Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago

There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago for US$122.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Fort Lauderdale and Chicago is approximately 1,169 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 1 hour and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 22 hours and 2 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

1169

Distance (km)

1881

The earliest train departs Fort Lauderdale at 7:45 while the last train of the day leaves at 11:43. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

7:45am

Last train

11:43am

Trains from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Friday

City Information

Fort Lauderdale

Nicknamed the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale offers vast stretches of white sand beaches at affordable prices, allowing the average traveller to enjoy fun under the sun with ease. Fort Lauderdale Beach is the premier destination for beach-goers and nature lovers, and it is noticeably less chaotic than its counterpart at Miami Beach, making it a perfect spot for a quiet and leisurely getaway. Another alternative is the nearby Las Olas Beach, which features clean and refreshing water. Nature lovers can also take an airboat tour to the famous Everglades and get up close to the alligators.

For shopping fans, Sawgrass Mills, a famous shopping outlet with 250 stores, will be a top choice. Don’t forget to take the time for a stroll around the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District and enjoy the setting sun as the day comes to a close.

The Fort Lauderdale Amtrak station is the main train station in the city, offering quick access to other cities in the state of Florida. In the centre of town, not too far from the train station, you can find the Greyhound station which is the busiest coach travel hub in Fort Lauderdale. The principal airport in the area is the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport which, as its name suggests, is located right in between the two neighbouring cities. However, it's also easy to get from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport for more flight options.

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 holiday 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 transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Fort Lauderdale?

Main departure station: Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter

Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter - FLLAMT-0

Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter - FLLAMT-1

Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter - FLLAMT-2

The Tri-Rail Station in Fort Lauderdale serves local Tri-Rail trains that travel throughout Florida and Amtrak trains to connect with the United States’ largest passenger rail system. Amtrak Silver Service trains stop in Fort Lauderdale along their New York to Miami route. The station features ample parking, indoor seating and toilets, and two platforms with Mediterranean-style tiled roofs. Located adjacent to Interstate 95, it is easy to connect by highway to your final destination or head a few miles East into downtown Fort Lauderdale.

All train stations in Fort Lauderdale:

Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter

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 coach 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:

Union Station

Need a return trip from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?

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