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Trains from Boston to Chicago

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Boston - Chicago Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 4 daily trains from Boston to Chicago. Traveling by train from Boston to Chicago usually takes around 24 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can make the trip in 22 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance849 mi (1366 km)
Fastest train22h 15m
Lowest price£78.50
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Boston to Chicago

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Manitya

11 January 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Very nice and safety that the first priority I choose Amtrak as sole traveler. Keep your. Cons: Keep your standard of the service as good as you are. Tips: Chicago to Los Angeles on January 18, 2022.

Pros: Very nice and safety that the first priority I choose Amtrak as sole traveler. Keep your. Cons: Keep your standard of the service as good as you are. Tips: Chicago to Los Angeles on January 18, 2022.

5.0

Katie

17 October 2021

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

SUCH beautiful views along the way!!

SUCH beautiful views along the way!!

5.0

Anastasiia

17 August 2019- Couples trip

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Everything were perfect. Cons: Sometimes it was too chilly in the train and some issues with WiFi on board. Tips: Pillow and blanket would be great addition for the coach seaters.

Pros: Everything were perfect. Cons: Sometimes it was too chilly in the train and some issues with WiFi on board. Tips: Pillow and blanket would be great addition for the coach seaters.

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

In the last month, £98.95 was the average price of a train ticket from Boston to Chicago. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 25 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £290.87 more than that for a same-day booking.

Monthly average prices

£123£98£74£49£25JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Boston to Chicago by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just £88 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Boston to Chicago in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £110 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

£204£164£123£82£413020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Boston will be about £290.87 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Boston to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Boston to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak41d 2h 28m£135.48
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited122h 19m£138.82
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 4 Amtrak trains from Boston to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £83.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

    Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

    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 Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St in Boston and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 22 hours and 19 minutes and ticket prices start at £79.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Boston to Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

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.

Can you take a train all the way from Boston to Chicago?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Boston to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Boston to Chicago?

The distance between Boston and Chicago is approximately 849 miles, or 1366 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours and 15 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

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

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Boston at 04:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Boston to Chicago?

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Chicago. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

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

City Information

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

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 Boston?

Departure stations

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 15 stops and stations in Boston where you can board the train.

All train stations in Boston:

  • 100 Thompsons Pt Rd

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St

  • Portsmouth Transp Ctr - 185 Grafton Rd

  • 13 Batchelder Rd

  • UNH Durham Transit Ctr - 3 Depot Rd

  • 33 Chestnut St

  • Mystic Train Station

  • New London Union Station

  • Brunswick Visitors Center

  • 60 Lincoln St at Railroad Ave

  • Augusta Transp Ctr - 9 Industrial Dr

  • 1 Railroad Ave

  • Bangor Transp Ctr

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Arrival stations

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

Related reading

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