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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Chicago to Gary. Traveling by train from Chicago to Gary usually takes around 8 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 25 mi (39 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 49m |
| Lowest price | €44.29 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Chicago to Gary?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Gary. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 8h 45m | €93.30 |
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 Chicago to Gary every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €44.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Chicago and Gary is approximately 25 miles, or 39 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 49 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.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Chicago to Gary. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 07:00 and arrives in Gary around 4 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Gary to Chicago.
City Information
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.
Gary
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Keep an open mind, and Gary may surprise you on your next vacation. Gary is popular for its many casinos, including the Trump Casino and Hotel and the Majestic Star Casino, which sit side-by-side at Buffington Harbor. Gary is located on the bank of Lake Michigan, so don't miss out on the chance to go sailboating and windsurfing on a beautiful day. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, just a few miles east of Gary, is a sandy lakeside oasis if you enjoy camping and hiking.
Grab a quick meal at Miller Pizza Company, a father-and-son pizzeria with over 30 years of history. Arman's Restaurant, a local favorite, offers home-cooked meals and a warm atmosphere.
Gary can be reached via bus service on several major bus companies, and the Gary/Chicago International Airport is very close to downtown to travel via air.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 2702 W Washington St
The South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of "Michiana," the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.
All train stations in Chicago:
2702 W Washington St
1100 Liberty Ave
Where is the train station in Gary?
Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 100 W 4th Ave
Gary's most popular bus station is located on 4th Ave as part of the Adam Benjamin JR Metro Center next to Gateway Park. The large complex welcomes buses run by Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Barons Bus, and passengers can easily transfer to the South Shoreline commuter rail within the station. Amenities inside include restrooms, seating, vending machines, and even a restaurant for a meal before or after your trip. Buses from Gary head to cities like Fort Wayne and Chicago.
Train stations in Gary:
Bus Terminal - 100 W 4th Ave
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