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Cleveland to Chicago train

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Cleveland - Chicago Train Timetable

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Train Trip Information: Cleveland to Chicago

There are 3 daily trains from Cleveland to Chicago. Traveling by train from Cleveland to Chicago usually takes around 7 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can make the trip in 6 hours and 46 minutes.

Distance307 mi (495 km)
Fastest train6h 46m
Lowest price£38.97
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Cleveland to Chicago

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.2

4.0

Shoshana

22 December 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: Relatively comfortable. Cons: No bathrooms on the second floor.

Pros: Relatively comfortable. Cons: No bathrooms on the second floor.

5.0

Robert

10 May 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: Exceeded my expectations. Safe, clean and comfortable. The staff professional and skilled. Overall the other travelers polite and thoughtful. Thank you. Cons: Nothing comes to mind this moment. Tips: Continue being thoughtful and polite.

Pros: Exceeded my expectations. Safe, clean and comfortable. The staff professional and skilled. Overall the other travelers polite and thoughtful. Thank you. Cons: Nothing comes to mind this moment. Tips: Continue being thoughtful and polite.

4.0

Elaine

25 January 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: First train ride in 40 years. At my age a step stool to get in train was scary and bathrooms not handicap accessible but overall much better than driving. Cons: See abive. Tips: Travel light.

Pros: First train ride in 40 years. At my age a step stool to get in train was scary and bathrooms not handicap accessible but overall much better than driving. Cons: See abive. Tips: Travel light.

4.0

Jessica

23 August 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: The seats are spacious and comfortable!!! Cons: The train needs updated. Tips: They keep it cool so bring a blanket.

Pros: The seats are spacious and comfortable!!! Cons: The train needs updated. Tips: They keep it cool so bring a blanket.

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

£62.25 is the average price of a bus ticket from Cleveland to Chicago. Any tickets cheaper than £62.25 can be considered a great deal. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

£85£57£28MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Cleveland to Chicago will vary between £51 and £80. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Cleveland over the next 7 days is £65. 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

£61£49£37£24£12AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Cleveland 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 £44 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Cleveland to Chicago in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £58 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

£101£81£61£41£203020100

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 Cleveland will be about £32.59 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Cleveland to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Cleveland to Chicago. 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Capitol Limited16h 47m£85.75
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited27h 9m£67.62

  • 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 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway in Cleveland and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 7 hours and 9 minutes and ticket prices start at £39.

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.

The distance between Cleveland and Chicago is approximately 307 miles, or 495 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 46 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.

"Tuesday is usually the day of the week when trains are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded trains to Chicago, book your ticket for the last day of the week."

The earliest train departs Cleveland at 02:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 04:00. 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 Cleveland to Chicago.

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

City Information

Cleveland

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.

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 Cleveland?

200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway - CLEAMT-0

Image credit: Ted Eytan

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

The 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.

All train stations in Cleveland:

  • 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

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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