Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Lafayette
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Chicago to Lafayette. Traveling by train from Chicago to Lafayette usually takes 3 hours and 1 minute, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 108 mi (174 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 1m |
| Lowest price | $36.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Chicago to Lafayette Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Chicago to Lafayette?
There are usually 15 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Lafayette.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$71.53 | Avg. Price$38.47Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips15 |
Duration | Duration3h 1m | Duration2h 32mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Lafayette (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Lafayette:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Lafayette?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Lafayette was $37.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $157.89 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Lafayette by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Lafayette will cost between $36 and $50. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Lafayette by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Lafayette often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $36. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Lafayette during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $88 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Lafayette on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $157.89 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Chicago to Lafayette?
There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to Lafayette, including Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 3h 1m | $71.53 |
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Chicago to Lafayette per day, with an average trip length of 3 hours and 1 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Lafayette
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Lafayette with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Lafayette to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Lafayette for $23.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Chicago and Lafayette is approximately 108 miles, or 174 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 1 minute, 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)
108
DISTANCE (KM)
174
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 5:55pm and arrives in Lafayette around 3 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
5:55pm
LATEST TRAIN
5:55pm
Trains from Chicago to Lafayette are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
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.
Lafayette
Lafayette, a quaint college town with a vibrant history, is a superb destination for fans of history and old buildings. The city's historic old quarter is a beautiful sight to behold, with some buildings dating back to the 19th century. A walk around this quarter will bring you back to the early days of the American Industrial Revolution. Don't miss out on the chance to visit Fort Ouiatenon, the first European fortified settlement in the area now called Indiana. If you are looking for a spot to enjoy a picnic with your friends and your family, head to historic Prophetstown State Park for plenty of activities; we're talking a water park, unique wildlife observation, camping, and a working farm dating back to the 1920s.
Lafayette's food scene offers a good mix of traditional dishes and modern ones. If you wish to enjoy genuine local specialties, South Street Smokehouse offers amazing homestyle dishes. For those who just can't have enough local pizzas, stop by Arni's, a pizzeria that has been around for more than 40 years.
Travel to Lafayette is easy thanks to multiple bus lines and the Amtrak Cardinal line, which runs through the city. The nearest major airport is about 60 miles away in Indianapolis, so ground travel is definitely your friend for this destination.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Chicago?
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
Where does the train arrive in Lafayette?
Main arrival station: 200 N Second St
The Lafayette Amtrak Station is located in the heart of Downtown Lafayette right alongside the Wabash River. Originally built in 1902, the station is famous for its signature Romanesque Revival style. In 2003, the station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The only Amtrak line that serves the Lafayette station is the Cardinal, one of the most scenic train routes in the U.S. There is a local bus stop outside the station that connects it to the rest of Lafayette and the neighboring areas via CityBus, the public transit bus service provided by the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation. Thanks to the station's downtown location, there is a rich variety of bars and restaurants nearby.
All train stations in Lafayette:
- 200 N Second St
Need a return trip from Lafayette to Chicago?
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