Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Baltimore
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to Baltimore. Traveling by train from Chicago to Baltimore usually takes 22 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 19 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 605 mi (973 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 15m |
| Lowest price | $128.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Chicago to Baltimore Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Chicago to Baltimore?
There are usually 17 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Baltimore.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$230.66 | Avg. Price$150.95Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips17 |
Duration | Duration22h 3mFaster | Duration23h 23m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Baltimore (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Baltimore:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Baltimore?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Baltimore was $198.44. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $116.16 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Baltimore by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Baltimore will cost between $150 and $255. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Baltimore by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Baltimore 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 $154. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Baltimore during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $244 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Baltimore on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $116.16 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Chicago to Baltimore?
There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to Baltimore, including Amtrak, Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 21h 53m | $228.64 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 24h 46m | $266.00 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Baltimore every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $132.
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 Baltimore per day, with an average trip length of 24 hours and 46 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Baltimore
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Baltimore to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Baltimore for $71.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Chicago and Baltimore is approximately 605 miles, or 973 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 15 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)
605
DISTANCE (KM)
973
The earliest train departs Chicago at 5:55pm while the last train of the day leaves at 9:30pm. 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
5:55pm
LATEST TRAIN
9:30pm
Trains from Chicago to Baltimore are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
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.
Baltimore
Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing "Good Morning, Baltimore' as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.
Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centered in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbor from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired "The Star Spangled Banner," head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.
Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighborhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous bus and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transportation, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.
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 Baltimore?
Main arrival station: Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St
Pennsylvania Station, commonly referred to as just Penn Station, is the main train station in Baltimore. Owned and operated by Amtrak, the station serves as a regional hub for all of the train carrier’s nine services that pass through Baltimore, including the Acela, the Northeast Regional, the Crescent, and the Palmetto. Conveniently located near Baltimore’s downtown and Inner Harbor, Penn Station is accessible from all parts of the city via several transit bus lines and two commuter rail services. The Johns Hopkins and Baltimore Collegetown shuttles also serve Penn Station, allowing students to travel easily between the train station and campus.
All train stations in Baltimore:
- Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St
- Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
Need a return trip from Baltimore to Chicago?
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