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Lafayette to Chicago train

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Lafayette - Chicago Train Timetable

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Train Route Overview: Lafayette to Chicago

There is one daily train from Lafayette to Chicago. Traveling by train from Lafayette to Chicago usually takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance108 mi (174 km)
Fastest train2h 10m
Lowest price£21.86
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Lafayette to Chicago

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Katelyn

28 June 2019- Vacation

Amtrak Hoosier State

Pros: the train ride was hassle free and comfortable. one of the best part of the trip. Cons: better advisement - did not realize train was option until started goggling. I might have made this trip soon with this easier traveling option. Tips: train vs bus / train is the way to go!

5.0

Linda

22 June 2019- Vacation

Amtrak Cardinal

Pros: All train staff that we dealt with was courteous and helpful, even though they were certainly very busy and had a schedule to keep. The ride was comfortable and the train looked and smelled fairly clean given it was very full with passengers. Cons: It was not clear at the train station where we were supposed to board our train, so we had to ask a few employees there to get to the right place. That was a little worrisome since the station was so big. Tips: Allow plenty of time at the bigger stations.

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

In the last month, £26.94 was the average price of a train ticket from Lafayette to Chicago. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 28 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £17.98 more than that for a same-day booking.

Monthly average prices

£40£32£24£16£8JJASONDJFMAM

Ticket prices for the train from Lafayette to Chicago 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 £22,

If you're thinking of traveling from Lafayette to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £34 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

£61£49£36£24£123020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Lafayette will be about £17.98 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Lafayette to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Lafayette to Chicago. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 10m£26.72
Amtrak Cardinal13h 25m£47.96

  • 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 Lafayette to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £27.

  • The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Lafayette to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from Lafayette to Chicago. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.
The distance between Lafayette and Chicago is approximately 108 miles, or 174 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 10 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from Lafayette to Chicago are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Lafayette at 06:00 and arrives in Chicago around 2 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.

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

City Information

Lafayette

Lafayette, IN - LAF-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Lafayette, IN - LAF-1

Image credit: Pixabay

Lafayette, IN - LAF-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Lafayette, a quaint college town with a vibrant history, is a superb destination for fans of history and old buildings. The city's historic old quarter is a beautiful sight to behold, with some buildings dating back to the 19th century. A walk around this quarter will bring you back to the early days of the American Industrial Revolution. Don't miss out on the chance to visit Fort Ouiatenon, the first European fortified settlement in the area now called Indiana. If you are looking for a spot to enjoy a picnic with your friends and your family, head to historic Prophetstown State Park for plenty of activities; we're talking a water park, unique wildlife observation, camping, and a working farm dating back to the 1920s.

Lafayette's food scene offers a good mix of traditional dishes and modern ones. If you wish to enjoy genuine local specialties, South Street Smokehouse offers amazing homestyle dishes. For those who just can't have enough local pizzas, stop by Arni's, a pizzeria that has been around for more than 40 years.

Travel to Lafayette is easy thanks to multiple bus lines and the Amtrak Cardinal line, which runs through the city. The nearest major airport is about 60 miles away in Indianapolis, so ground travel is definitely your friend for this destination.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Lafayette?

200 N Second St - LAFAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 200 N Second St

The Lafayette Amtrak Station is located in the heart of Downtown Lafayette right alongside the Wabash River. Originally built in 1902, the station is famous for its signature Romanesque Revival style. In 2003, the station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The only Amtrak line that serves the Lafayette station is the Cardinal, one of the most scenic train routes in the U.S. There is a local bus stop outside the station that connects it to the rest of Lafayette and the neighboring areas via CityBus, the public transit bus service provided by the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation. Thanks to the station's downtown location, there is a rich variety of bars and restaurants nearby.

All train stations in Lafayette:

  • 200 N Second St

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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 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.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

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