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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to South Bend

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4.8 Rating

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4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Chicago to South Bend Train Timetable

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

There are usually 4 daily bus trips from Chicago to South Bend.

Coach
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
£23.25
Avg. Price
£27.83
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
4
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
2h 52m
Duration
1h 28m

Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to South Bend. Traveling by train from Chicago to South Bend usually takes one hour and 29 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance72 mi (116 km)
Fastest train1h 29m
Lowest price£15.46
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to South Bend

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Tracy

22 August 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: I loved that the staff was so helpful and even let me know when my stop was coming up. Cons: I can’t think of anything. Tips: Give yourself plenty of time to get through the train station & then to your train. I got their 10 minutes before and was running through the station (I had never been there before) and running to my train which was a ways down and I was the very last one on. I made it... but it was stressful.

3.0

Kaitlyn

9 June 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: Comfortable and spacious seating. Cons: Timelines of arrival.

5.0

Guiquan

28 May 2019- Couples trip

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: Quite. Cons: Nothing.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Chicago to South Bend is £24.01, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 24 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay £4.46 more.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to South Bend by travel date

£37£24£12JanJan

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to South Bend will cost between £24 and £28. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to South Bend by month

£61£49£37£24£12FMAMJJASONDJ

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to South Bend 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 £16,

If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to South Bend during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £47 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

£61£49£37£24£123020100

By booking your train trip from Chicago to South Bend on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about £4.46 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to South Bend?

2 train services operate from Chicago to South Bend. 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11h 29m£38.76
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited21h 29m£21.43

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to South Bend every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £37.

  • 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 Chicago (Union Station), Illinois in Chicago and arrives at 2702 W Washington St in South Bend. The route takes about 1 hours and 29 minutes and ticket prices start at £15.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to South Bend

The distance between Chicago and South Bend is approximately 72 miles, or 116 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 29 minutes, As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains from Chicago to South Bend are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 18:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to South Bend.

You can also take a train for your return trip from South Bend to Chicago.

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 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.

South Bend

South Bend, IN - SOB-0

Image credit: Pixabay

South Bend, IN - SOB-1

Image credit: Unsplash

South Bend, IN - SOB-2

Image credit: Unsplash

South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.

Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!

South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several bus stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where is the train station in South Bend?

2702 W Washington St - SOBAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
2703 W Washington St - SOBAMT-1

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 2702 W Washington St

The South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of "Michiana," the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.

Train stations in South Bend:

  • 2702 W Washington St

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Related reading

Need a return trip from South Bend to Chicago?

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