Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Elkhart

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Elkhart. Travelling by train from Chicago to Elkhart usually takes 1 hour and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 1 hour and 49 minutes.

Distance: 86 mi (139 km)
Fastest train: 1h 49m
Lowest price: US$24.00
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Elkhart Train Timetable

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Elkhart (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Desiree

30 December 2021 - Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Smooth ride comfortable. But I was at the last seat and the doors kept opening Tips: Don't sit in the last seat where the doors open at nite.no sleep!

5.0

Rhoda

9 August 2020 - Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: In our car was a person who became very belligerent when another passenger asked him to turn down the music he was playing and to use earplugs. He was loud, swearing, telling the person (a family member of me) to wear earplugs himself, to go to sleep, etc. He demanded to know my relative's name. I quietly got up and went to search for a staff member. When I met the person who had greeted us as we boarded the train, I reported the troubling language. She told me that she had confronted this person, and that he would be removed from the train. I was impressed by the concern for us passengers' safety. Cons: I prefer to pay cash for a cup of coffee to the current policy to put $3.00 on my credit card.

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

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Elkhart cost about US$32 when booked at the cheapest time. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$39.97 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Elkhart by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Elkhart will cost between US$25 and US$54. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Elkhart by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Elkhart 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$26. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Elkhart during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$46 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Elkhart on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about US$39.97 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Elkhart?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Elkhart. Amtrak Lake Shore Limited 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 Floridian	1	1h 49m	US$40.60
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited	2	1h 54m	US$34.76

Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Chicago to Elkhart start from US$24, and on average cost US$40.60. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Elkhart. Amtrak Floridian in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Elkhart trains arrive at 131 Tyler Ave.
From Chicago to Elkhart train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 1 hour and 49 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Elkhart on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost US$24 for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.
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 Union Station in Chicago and arrives at 131 Tyler Ave in Elkhart. The route takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes and ticket prices start at US$24.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to Elkhart

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Elkhart. You can also take a train for your return trip from Elkhart to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Chicago to Elkhart for US$39.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Elkhart is approximately 86 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour and 49 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Distance (mi)

Distance (km)

139

The earliest train departs Chicago at 17:35 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:30. 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

9:30pm

Trains from Chicago to Elkhart 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Tuesday

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.

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 Elkhart?

Main arrival station: 131 Tyler Ave

Elkhart has one train station.

Train stations in Elkhart:

131 Tyler Ave

Need a return trip from Elkhart to Chicago?

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