Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. Travelling by train from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale usually takes 1 day, 22 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 1 day, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
- Distance
- 1169 mi (1881 km)
- Fastest train
- 45h 51m
- Lowest price
- US$170.00
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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Chicago to Fort Lauderdale Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
There are usually 5 daily coach trips from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$372.80 | Avg. PriceUS$200.04Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration46h 23m | Duration32h 43mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale cost about US$315 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Chicago and Fort Lauderdale, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$207.78 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale will cost between US$242 and US$542. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only US$288. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$465 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
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time, you can save about US$207.78 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
2 train services operate from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 46h 43m | US$412.02 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 45h 55m | US$317.94 |
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 is 1 Amtrak train from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$291.










Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale start from US$170, and on average cost US$317.94. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Fort Lauderdale. Amtrak Floridian in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Fort Lauderdale trains arrive at Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter.
From Chicago to Fort Lauderdale train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 1 day, 21 hours and 55 minutes. If you are looking to get to Fort Lauderdale faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express service options with a travel time of 1 day, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Fort Lauderdale on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost US$170 for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Fort Lauderdale faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale for US$132.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
The distance between Chicago and Fort Lauderdale is approximately 1,169 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 22 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 21 hours and 51 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 Chicago at 17:35 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:40. 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
5:35pm
Last train
6:40pm
Trains from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale 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 travelling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Friday
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Main departure 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.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Where is the train station in Fort Lauderdale?
Main arrival station: Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter



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.
Train stations in Fort Lauderdale:
- Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter
Need a return trip from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago?
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