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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Chicago to Sandusky. Traveling by train from Chicago to Sandusky usually takes around 5 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can make the trip in 5 hours,
| Distance | 256 mi (412 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 0m |
| Lowest price | £32.18 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Sandusky?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Chicago and Sandusky cost £43.21, on average. Booking your trip at least 24 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around £50.38 more.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Sandusky will vary between £40 and £56. Planning a train trip to Sandusky within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is £43. 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.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Sandusky from Chicago will be about £50.38 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Chicago to Sandusky?
2 train services operate from Chicago to Sandusky. 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 | 5h 0m | £67.12 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 5h 34m | £45.23 |
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 1200 N Depot St in Sandusky. The route takes about 5 hours and 34 minutes and ticket prices start at £32.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Chicago and Sandusky is approximately 256 miles, or 412 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours,
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 from Chicago to Sandusky are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Monday 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 Sandusky.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Sandusky 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.
Sandusky
Image credit: Pixabay
Sandusky is a city in Ohio on Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay, about 70 miles from Cleveland. Sandusky appeals to art and culture lovers, with sites like the Museum of Sandusky offering exhibits on shipwrecks, boatbuilding, and ice harvesting. The city is known for having many family attractions, including wildlife, water, and amusement parks, including the Top Thrill Dragster and Maverick. The famous Sprawling Cedar Point Park has many roller coasters, while the Merry-Go-Round Museum is known for its working vintage carousel and wooden animals.
Sandusky is known for having fresh wine from local vineyards, served in the wineries in the city. Although the craft beer scene is young, Sandusky features a vibrant nightlife, from taphouses and sports bars to nightclubs and taverns. Even during the day, the downtown area offers different local shops and great restaurants to visit.
Trains and buses head to Sandusky from various cities and offer daily scheduled trips. Amtrak serves Sandusky for trains and Jefferson Lines for the bus routes. The Sandusky Transit System provides public transportation within the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
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 Sandusky?
Main arrival station: 1200 N Depot St
Sandusky has one train station.
Train stations in Sandusky:
1200 N Depot St
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Need a return trip from Sandusky to Chicago?
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