5.0
Pros: Seats are marvelous. Cons: The speed. Amtrak needs faster cars. Tips: use train as much as you can.
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Chicago to Lafayette. The train trip from Chicago to Lafayette is usually about 3 hours and 1 minute long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 108 mi (174 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 1m |
| Lowest price | $34.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Lafayette
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Lafayette?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Chicago and Lafayette cost $34.00, on average. This price makes taking the train a budget-friendly option to get to Lafayette. Booking your trip at least 24 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $18.00 more.
Monthly avg. prices
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 $33. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Lafayette during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $78 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Chicago to Lafayette. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 24 days before departure, you can save around $18.00. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Lafayette?
Amtrak Cardinal is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Lafayette. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 3h 1m | $50.73 |
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
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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Lafayette on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 5:00pm and arrives in Lafayette around 3 hours later.
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.
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
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
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 is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Where is the train station in Lafayette?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain 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
Get around town with Moovit
Find the best way to get to and from any station in Lafayette by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now
Need a return trip from Lafayette to Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
Continue by train from Lafayette
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. 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 buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more