Cheap train tickets from Baltimore to Chicago

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Baltimore to Chicago. Travelling by train from Baltimore to Chicago usually takes 23 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 18 hours and 51 minutes.

Distance: 605 mi (973 km)
Fastest train: 18h 51m
Lowest price: £78.76
Trains per day: 5
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Baltimore to Chicago Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Baltimore to Chicago?

There are usually 13 daily coach trips from Baltimore to Chicago.

	Train	Coach
Avg. Price	Avg. Price£206.83	Avg. Price£106.89Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips5	Daily Trips13
Duration	Duration23h 35m	Duration22h 51mFaster

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Baltimore to Chicago (Based on 1 rating and review)

4.0

Richard

22 June 2022 - Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Nice cozy atmosphere. Respect fully treated by staff. Cons: I cannot think of anything .

There are several train options that can take you from Baltimore to Chicago:

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Baltimore to Chicago cost about £171 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Baltimore and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £92.16 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Baltimore to Chicago by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Baltimore to Chicago will cost between £104 and £282. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Baltimore to Chicago by month

Ticket prices for the train from Baltimore 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 £152. If you're thinking of travelling from Baltimore to Chicago during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £221 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Baltimore to Chicago on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about £92.16 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Baltimore to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Baltimore to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	5	23h 31m	£207.15
Amtrak Cardinal	1	25h 47m	£198.09

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 5 Amtrak trains from Baltimore to Chicago every day, as well as 13 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from £78.76.
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 sockets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There is usually 1 Cardinal trip from Baltimore to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 1 day, 1 hour and 47 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Baltimore to Chicago

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your hand luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Baltimore. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Baltimore to Chicago for £59.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Baltimore and Chicago is approximately 605 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 51 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

605

Distance (km)

973

The earliest train departs Baltimore at 6:31 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:54. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

6:31am

Last train

2:54pm

Trains from Baltimore to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Baltimore

Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing “Good Morning, Baltimore” as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.

Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centred in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbour from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired “The Star Spangled Banner,” head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.

Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighbourhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous coach and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transport, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.

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 holiday 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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Baltimore?

Main departure station: Penn Station

Pennsylvania Station, commonly referred to as just Penn Station, is the main train station in Baltimore. Owned and operated by Amtrak, the station serves as a regional hub for all of the train carrier’s nine services that pass through Baltimore, including the Acela, the Northeast Regional, the Crescent, and the Palmetto. Conveniently located near Baltimore’s downtown and Inner Harbor, Penn Station is accessible from all parts of the city via several transit bus lines and two commuter rail services. The Johns Hopkins and Baltimore Collegetown shuttles also serve Penn Station, allowing students to travel easily between the train station and campus.

All train stations in Baltimore:

Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St
Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)

Where is the train station in Chicago?

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 coach 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

Need a return trip from Chicago to Baltimore?

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