Cheap train tickets from Erie to Chicago

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Erie to Chicago. Travelling by train from Erie to Chicago usually takes 8 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can make the trip in 8 hours and 56 minutes.

Distance
388 mi (624 km)
Fastest train
8h 56m
Lowest price
£51.27
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines
1

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Erie to Chicago Train Timetable

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

There are usually 7 daily coach trips from Erie to Chicago.

Train
Coach
Avg. Price£81.96Avg. Price£65.81Cheaper
Daily Trips2Daily Trips7
Duration8h 59mFasterDuration16h 41m
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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Erie to Chicago (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Lavaris

4 July 2024 - Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited
Pros: Seeing family and friends

5.0

Mohammed

24 August 2021 - Solo travel

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited
Pros: It is to comfortable

5.0

senada

22 August 2021 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited
Pros: Staff
See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Erie to Chicago cost about £71 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £70.88 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Erie to Chicago by travel date

£135£90£45NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Erie to Chicago will cost between £43 and £130. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Erie to Chicago by month

£150£120£90£60£30JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Erie 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 £72. If you're thinking of travelling from Erie to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £130 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

£150£120£90£60£3001020

By booking your train trip from Erie to Chicago on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about £70.88 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Erie to Chicago?

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is the one and only train line which connects Erie to Chicago. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited28h 59m£81.96
  • 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 125 W 14th St in Erie and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 8 hours and 59 minutes and ticket prices start at £51.27.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Erie to Chicago

Trains leave the station in Erie twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Erie. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Erie to Chicago for £42.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

2

The distance between Erie and Chicago is approximately 388 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 56 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)

388

Distance (km)

624

The earliest train departs Erie at 2:16 while the last train of the day leaves at 2:16. 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

2:16am

Last train

2:16am

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

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Erie

Erie, PA, US - ERP-0

Named for the Great Lake it sits upon, Erie is one of Pennsylvania's most picturesque cities. Erie is about halfway between Buffalo and Cleveland and about two hours north of Pittsburgh.

One of the most popular spots to visit, Presque Isle State Park, is a curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie and creates 11 miles of beaches. Swim on the beaches, birdwatch near some of its lagoons, or tour the Presque Isle Lighthouse for a full day of lakeside exploring. Then, head up to the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower on the bayfront for epic panoramic views of the park and lake beyond.

Discover the city's buzzing nightlife by visiting downtown Erie, where you'll find numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. Go big with a concert at Erie Insurance Arena, or watch a horse race at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino.

Barons Bus Lines and Jefferson Lines provide affordable coach transport from Erie to Cleveland, Columbus, Buffalo, and beyond. The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited runs from Chicago through Erie, onward to Boston and New York City. Erie International Airport has a handful of flights to Charlotte and Chicago, but if you're flying from Erie, you'll find more destinations available from Buffalo or Cleveland's airports.

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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 Erie?

Main departure station: 125 W 14th St

There is one train station in Erie.

All train stations in Erie:

  • 125 W 14th St

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0CHIUST-2

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 Erie?

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