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3 trains operate daily from Chicago to Cleveland. The train trip from Chicago to Cleveland is usually about 6 hours and 47 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can get you there in as little as 6 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 307 mi (495 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 5m |
| Lowest price | £39.20 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 2 |
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Cleveland
(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: The car was spacious. Tips: An eye mask is a must if you want to get some sleep.
5.0
Pros: Exelente. Cons: Todo bien. Tips: Que viajen en tren, es mejor que en autobus.
4.0
Pros: Got a window seat. Cons: Should have more announcement of each stops.
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Cleveland was £56.77. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Cleveland if you book your train tickets at least 22 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £70.50.
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Cleveland will vary between £50 and £87. Planning a train trip to Cleveland within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is £52. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Cleveland from Chicago will be about £70.50 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
2 train services operate from Chicago to Cleveland. 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 Capitol Limited | 1 | 6h 5m | £82.50 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 7h 8m | £58.06 |
Passing through seven states, 16 cities, and various National Parks, Amtrak Capitol Limited connects Washington D.C. and Chicago, on 750 miles of railroad. Taking over 17 hours for a complete trip, these trains offer various overnight accommodations and feature panoramic observation cars where passengers can enjoy exceptional scenery. The trains include various options for food; however, WiFi connectivity is not available onboard due to the rural nature of the route.
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 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway in Cleveland. The route takes about 7 hours and 8 minutes and ticket prices start at £39.
The distance between Chicago and Cleveland is approximately 307 miles, or 495 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 5 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.
Trains departing from Chicago to Cleveland tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
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 Cleveland.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cleveland to 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.
An industrial powerhouse in the past eras, Cleveland offers to the world more than just LeBron James and Halle Berry. Unlike most other big cities, Cleveland still retains its quaint small-town feel, especially as you wander around the Cleveland Metroparks, a system of 21,000 acres of pure nature. For nature lovers, the Cleveland Botanical Garden provides a treasure trove of botanical knowledge and rare plant species. Another must-not-miss spot is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which features exhibitions on the greatest legends such as Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, etc.
For foodies, Cleveland truly is a mecca. The city boasts an array of top chefs and high-class establishments that can bring you an unforgettable experience. For authentic American classics, Sylman’s Deli has everything you need. If you are looking for a more diverse option, head to Momocho for some mouth-watering Mexican indulgences.
Cleveland’s main bus station is located just behind the Playhouse Square Parking Garage in the Theater District. The local Amtrak train station is also located downtown not too far from the bus station. The principal airport in the city is the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which sits 9 miles southwest of Downtown and is located next to the Glenn Research Center.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Image credit: Ted Eytan
Link to image attributionThe Amtrak Station on Cleveland Memorial Shoreway is directly adjacent to the NFL Browns’ FirstEnergy Stadium and the expansive Lake Erie beyond. Pro tip: sit on the North side of the train to catch a glimpse of the lake on your way out of town! This station is a stop for Amtrak’s Capitol Limited line from DC to Chicago and the Lake Shore Limited line from Chicago to New York City or Boston. Cleveland’s local Rapid Transit Waterfront Line also serves this station for service within the city. In the immediate area surrounding the station, you’ll find the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, and several hotels and restaurants for convenience during your travels.
200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
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