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Trains from Chicago to South Bend

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Chicago - South Bend Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 19 daily trains from Chicago to South Bend. Traveling by train from Chicago to South Bend usually takes around 19 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can make the trip in one hour and 29 minutes.

Distance72 mi (116 km)
Fastest train1h 29m
Lowest price€15.55
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to South Bend

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Tracy

22 August 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: I loved that the staff was so helpful and even let me know when my stop was coming up. Cons: I can’t think of anything. Tips: Give yourself plenty of time to get through the train station & then to your train. I got their 10 minutes before and was running through...

Pros: I loved that the staff was so helpful and even let me know when my stop was coming up. Cons: I can’t think of anything. Tips: Give yourself plenty of time to get through the train station & then to your train. I got their 10 minutes before and was running through the station (I had never been there before) and running to my train which was a ways down and I was the very last one on. I made it... but it was stressful.

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3.0

Kaitlyn

9 June 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: Comfortable and spacious seating. Cons: Timelines of arrival.

Pros: Comfortable and spacious seating. Cons: Timelines of arrival.

5.0

Guiquan

28 May 2019- Couples trip

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Pros: Quite. Cons: Nothing.

Pros: Quite. Cons: Nothing.

Train service from Chicago to South Bend

See more details

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

In the last month, €54.50 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to South Bend. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 2 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €20.48 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

€262€175€87AugAug

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to South Bend will vary between €20 and €252. Planning a train trip to South Bend within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is €90. 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

€219€175€131€87€44SONDJFMAMJJA

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to South Bend 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 €26 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to South Bend in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €206 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

€170€136€102€68€343020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 2 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to South Bend from Chicago will be about €20.48 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to South Bend?

There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to South Bend. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 20 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak201d 13h 28m€210.82
Amtrak Capitol Limited11h 29m€52.65
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited21h 30m€20.45
  • 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 20 Amtrak trains from Chicago to South Bend every day, as well as 9 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €39.

  • Amtrak Capitol Limited

    Amtrak Capitol Limited

    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.

  • 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 Union Station in Chicago and arrives at 2702 W Washington St in South Bend. The route takes about 1 hours and 30 minutes and ticket prices start at €16.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to South Bend 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.

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.

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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to South Bend. 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 Chicago to South Bend?

The distance between Chicago and South Bend is approximately 72 miles, or 116 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 29 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Chicago to South Bend 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 traveling on Sunday 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 Chicago at 03:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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 Chicago to South Bend?

There are 19 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to South Bend. 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 South Bend 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.

South Bend

South Bend, IN - SOB-2

Image credit: Unsplash

South Bend, IN - SOB-0

Image credit: Pixabay

South Bend, IN - SOB-1

Image credit: Unsplash

South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.

Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!

South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several bus stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Los Angeles, CA - Union Station - LAXUST-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Station

Union Station is the main train station in Los Angeles and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. The station was opened in 1939 and has become one of California’s busiest transportation hubs, serving more than 100 thousand passengers per day. Every Amtrak route that goes through Los Angeles stops at Union Station. In addition, the area around the station serves as the main bus stop for several bus carriers that conduct trips in and out of the city. Located in Downtown LA, Union Station offers easy transit connections to other parts of the city via three Metro Rail lines and one Metro Busway line, as well as a shuttle service to LAX airport. Union Station also serves as the main LA hub for six lines of Metrolink, Southern California’s primary commuter rail service.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

  • Union Station

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • Central Station

  • 100 S EK Gaylord Blvd

  • Union Station

  • 359 N Ludington St

  • 500 13th St SE

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

  • 1301 W 11th St

  • 902 Washington Ave

  • Union Depot

  • Union Station - 1701 Wynkoop Street

  • Union Station - 400 S Houston St

  • Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

Where is the train station in South Bend?

2702 W Washington St - SOBAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
2703 W Washington St - SOBAMT-1

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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.

Train stations in South Bend:

  • 2702 W Washington St

Related reading

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