Cheap train tickets from Lakeland to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Lakeland to Chicago. Traveling by train from Lakeland to Chicago usually takes 43 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 40 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 1008 mi (1623 km) |
| Fastest train | 40h 20m |
| Lowest price | $229.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Lakeland to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Lakeland to Chicago?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Lakeland to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$432.25 | Avg. Price$231.32Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration43h 46m | Duration34h 20mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Lakeland to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Lakeland to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Lakeland to Chicago was $324.00. Considering the distance between Lakeland and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $209.75 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Lakeland to Chicago by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Lakeland to Chicago is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $254 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Lakeland to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Lakeland to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $300. If you're thinking of traveling from Lakeland to Chicago during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $431 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Lakeland to Chicago on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about $209.75 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Lakeland to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Lakeland to Chicago, including Amtrak, Amtrak Floridian. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 45h 20m | $458.00 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 40h 20m | $375.60 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Lakeland to Chicago
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Lakeland to Chicago. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Lakeland. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Lakeland to Chicago for $135.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Lakeland and Chicago is approximately 1008 miles, or 1623 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 43 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 40 hours and 20 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
1008
DISTANCE (KM)
1623
The earliest train departs Lakeland at 10:10am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:25pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
10:10am
LATEST TRAIN
5:25pm
Trains from Lakeland to Chicago are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Lakeland
Lakeland is a city between Tampa and Orlando. It is known for its rich history and architectural sites, especially the Florida Southern College, which has buildings designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. History and art lovers in Lakeland can visit the Polk Museum of Art and check out the collection of artifacts and contemporary paintings. The Munn Park Historic District in Lakeland is another city highlight, boasting early 1900s architecture and a wide range of antique shops.
Downtown Lakeland offers explosive nightlife with a wide range of breweries and taprooms. If you're interested in something new, the city has seen a massive growth of kava bars in its area. The city is also known for its annual Lakeland Festival of Light, where you can join people to light up the mountain.
It is easy to visit Lakeland from other cities by train and bus. Amtrak and FlixBus US provide daily trips from tens of other cities to the town. The Lakeland Area Mass Transit District provides public transportation within the city.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Lakeland?
Main departure station: Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St
There are two stations in Lakeland where you can board the train to Chicago.
All train stations in Lakeland:
- Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St
- Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St
Where does the train arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival 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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Lakeland?
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