Wanderu Logo
Ireland flag
€
Log in

Trains from Chicago to Ann Arbor

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top coach & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

No Wanderu Fees

Without any extra fees, we make it easy to book your tickets.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Chicago - Ann Arbor Train Timetable

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from€29.50

Train Trip Information: Chicago to Ann Arbor

There are 16 daily trains from Chicago to Ann Arbor. Traveling by train from Chicago to Ann Arbor usually takes around 13 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Wolverine train can make the trip in 4 hours and 16 minutes.

Distance201 mi (324 km)
Fastest train4h 16m
Lowest price€39.34
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Ann Arbor

(Based on 24 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Zachary

30 December 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Wolverine

Pros: Efficient and safe travel. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Dont buy tickets a day before. Buy tickets 2 weeks ahead at least.

Pros: Efficient and safe travel. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Dont buy tickets a day before. Buy tickets 2 weeks ahead at least.

5.0

Christine

22 December 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Wolverine

Staff at station in Ann Arbor were exceptionally pleasant and helpful. Station was extremely clean.

Staff at station in Ann Arbor were exceptionally pleasant and helpful. Station was extremely clean.

4.0

Peter

6 June 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Wolverine

Pros: Train boarded early, which was helpful, and left promptly on time. Cons: Having traveled extensively by train in Europe, I am always disapointed by the condition of the tracks and the relatively slow and noisy train travel in the US. The overall state of train t...

Pros: Train boarded early, which was helpful, and left promptly on time. Cons: Having traveled extensively by train in Europe, I am always disapointed by the condition of the tracks and the relatively slow and noisy train travel in the US. The overall state of train travel in the US needs to be dramatically improved.

More

5.0

Sharat

26 March 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Wolverine

Pros: Spacious, comfortable. Cons: Wifi connection.

Pros: Spacious, comfortable. Cons: Wifi connection.

5.0

Lindsey

23 January 2020- Visiting family

Amtrak Wolverine

Pros: The train was clean and the staff was great! A few drunk people on the train were annoying.. but sometimes I’m a stick in mud haha :). Cons: nothing really ! Tips: arrive early to get a window seat :).

Pros: The train was clean and the staff was great! A few drunk people on the train were annoying.. but sometimes I’m a stick in mud haha :). Cons: nothing really ! Tips: arrive early to get a window seat :).

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

€93.38 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Ann Arbor. Any tickets cheaper than €93.38 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

€118€79€39AugAug

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Ann Arbor will vary between €66 and €116. Planning a train trip to Ann Arbor within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is €81. 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

€148€118€89€59€30SONDJFMAMJJA

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Ann Arbor 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 €60 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Ann Arbor in June, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €131 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

€148€118€89€59€303020100

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 Ann Arbor from Chicago will be about €17.01 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Ann Arbor?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Ann Arbor. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 13 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak1319h 41m€154.13
Amtrak Wolverine34h 27m€52.57
  • 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 13 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Ann Arbor every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €39.

  • Amtrak Wolverine

    Amtrak Wolverine

    The Amtrak Wolverine provides rail service from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan, and offers 3 trips per day. Each train features amenities such as a cafe car and onboard WiFi. The average ticket price from Chicago to Ann Arbor on the Wolverine is , but you can find deals for as low as €39.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take the train or bus from Ann Arbor to Chicago?

If you’re looking for comfort from Chicago to Ann Arbor, a train is the best option. Buses and trains both offer Wi-Fi, outlets and onboard restrooms, but trains have a bit more to offer. The standard Amtrak has both a Café Car and a Quiet Car, and Amtrak Wolverine goes beyond the typical to provide snacks and extra legroom.

The train from Chicago to Ann Arbor usually takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes. Buses are usually cheaper, but train rides still start as low as $31 for a ticket.

Does Amtrak go to Ann Arbor, Michigan?

There is an Amtrak station in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Amtrak is a great option when traveling from Chicago to Ann Arbor because in addition to a daily trip on the traditional Amtrak train, there are 3 daily trips from Chicago to Ann Arbor on Amtrak Wolverine (a higher speed Amtrak train).

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor?

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

The distance between Chicago and Ann Arbor is approximately 201 miles, or 324 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 16 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

"Thursday is usually the day of the week when trains are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, 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 Ann Arbor, book your ticket for the last day of the week."

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Chicago at 02:00 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.

How many trains are there each day?

There are 16 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Ann Arbor. 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 Ann Arbor 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.

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a quirky city filled with interesting secrets for curious travelers. The first thing to do in Ann Arbor is to check out its crown jewel, the University of Michigan. Boasting as many as 30 libraries and more than 16 museums, the university will fulfill every culturally-inclined traveler’s desires with ease. Nature lovers who enjoy a breath of fresh air should consider hopping on the Huron River Water Trail, which offers plenty of opportunities for paddling. Also don’t miss out on a show at the famous Michigan Theater, which offers retro shows and live acts.

Travelers can enjoy an authentic Ann Arbor culinary experience at Kerrytown, a historic quarter in the city. Located there are the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, as well as Zingerman’s Deli, both of which are local favorites.

The Amtrak station at 325 Depot St serves as the city’s main hub for both bus and train travel. From the station you can catch a bus or train to various cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and beyond. Ann Arbor is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • Union Station

  • Penn Station

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

  • Union Station

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • Newark Penn Station

  • 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

  • Union Station - 1701 Wynkoop Street

Where is the train station in Ann Arbor?

325 Depot St - Amtrak Station - ARBAMT-0

Image credit: jpmueller99

Link to image attribution
325 Depot St - Amtrak Station - ARBAMT-1

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station

The Ann Arbor Amtrak Station is located in the downtown area of Ann Arbor at 325 Depot St and handles most of the city’s rail transportation. The station is served by the Wolverine line, which runs from Pontiac to Chicago three times each day. Intercity bus service from Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Greyhound also stop at the Depot St station. Metered parking is available on-site, and the station building includes public restrooms and a convenient taxi stand. Several restaurants are in the surrounding area, and if you have time to kill before your train, take a short walk to the scenic Broadway Park along Huron River.

Train stations in Ann Arbor:

  • 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station

Related reading

Need a return trip from Ann Arbor to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Chicago

Continue by train from Ann Arbor

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android