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Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from South Bend to Sandusky. The train trip from South Bend to Sandusky is usually about 3 hours and 53 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 31 minutes.
| Distance | 184 mi (296 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 31m |
| Lowest price | €36.40 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from South Bend to Sandusky?
2 train services operate from South Bend to Sandusky. 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:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Capitol Limited | 1 | 3h 31m | €56.93 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 4h 4m | €44.80 |
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 2702 W Washington St in South Bend and arrives at 1200 N Depot St in Sandusky. The route takes about 4 hours and 4 minutes and ticket prices start at €36.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between South Bend and Sandusky is approximately 184 miles, or 296 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 53 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 31 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.
Trains departing from South Bend to Sandusky tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs South Bend at 21:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. 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 South Bend to Sandusky.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Sandusky to South Bend.
City Information
South Bend
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
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.
Sandusky
Image credit: Pixabay
Sandusky is a city in Ohio on Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay, about 70 miles from Cleveland. Sandusky appeals to art and culture lovers, with sites like the Museum of Sandusky offering exhibits on shipwrecks, boatbuilding, and ice harvesting. The city is known for having many family attractions, including wildlife, water, and amusement parks, including the Top Thrill Dragster and Maverick. The famous Sprawling Cedar Point Park has many roller coasters, while the Merry-Go-Round Museum is known for its working vintage carousel and wooden animals.
Sandusky is known for having fresh wine from local vineyards, served in the wineries in the city. Although the craft beer scene is young, Sandusky features a vibrant nightlife, from taphouses and sports bars to nightclubs and taverns. Even during the day, the downtown area offers different local shops and great restaurants to visit.
Trains and buses head to Sandusky from various cities and offer daily scheduled trips. Amtrak serves Sandusky for trains and Jefferson Lines for the bus routes. The Sandusky Transit System provides public transportation within the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in South Bend?
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 South Bend:
2702 W Washington St
Where is the train station in Sandusky?
Main arrival station: 1200 N Depot St
Sandusky has one train station.
Train stations in Sandusky:
1200 N Depot St
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Need a return trip from Sandusky to South Bend?
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