Cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME. Traveling by train from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME usually takes 42 hours and 15 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
- Distance
- 888 mi (1429 km)
- Fastest train
- 42h 15m
- Lowest price
- RON 1,768.35
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Chicago, IL to Portland, ME Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 1,916.70 | Avg. PriceRON 873.56Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration42h 15m | Duration33h 1mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME was RON 1,768.35. Considering the distance between Chicago, IL and Portland, ME, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 812.61 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME will cost between RON 960 and RON 1,833. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME 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 RON 1,237. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 1,745 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 812.61 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago, IL to Portland, ME. 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 | 1 | 42h 15m | RON 1,916.67 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 1,329.72.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME for RON 388.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between Chicago, IL and Portland, ME is approximately 888 miles, or 1429 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 42 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)
888
Distance (km)
1429
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago, IL at 5:55pm and arrives in Portland, ME around 42 hours later.
First train
5:55pm
Last train
5:55pm
Trains from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME 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.
Busiest
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.
Portland



Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.
Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.
The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.
After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.
East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago, IL?
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, IL:
- Union Station
Where is the train station in Portland, ME?
Main arrival station: 100 Thompsons Pt Rd

The Portland Transportation Center is located at 100 Thompsons Pt Rd, about two miles from Portland's Old Port area. Concord Coach Lines buses and Amtrak's Downeaster trains en route to Boston or Brunswick stop at this station. Inside the station, you'll find plenty of seating, restrooms, vending machines, and information desks for each travel company. In addition, there is plenty of paid parking in front of the station available to passengers.
All train stations in Portland, ME:
- 100 Thompsons Pt Rd
Need a return trip from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
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Continue by train from Portland, ME
- Portland, ME to Charlotte, NC TrainRON 1,390+
- Portland to Washington DC TrainRON 776+
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- Portland to Portland TrainRON 2,115+
- Portland to Bangor Train
- Portland, ME to Tampa, FL TrainRON 2,285+
- Portland, ME to Los Angeles, CA TrainRON 2,350+
- Portland, ME to Atlanta, GA TrainRON 1,431+
- Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH TrainRON 753+
- Portland, ME to Denver, CO TrainRON 2,004+
- Portland to Philadelphia TrainRON 637+
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- Portland, ME to Hartford, CT Train
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- Portland to New York TrainRON 554+
Check out these popular routes
- Seattle to Portland TrainRON 199+
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- Montreal to Québec City TrainRON 254+
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- Seattle to New York TrainRON 2,627+
- New York to Philadelphia TrainRON 314+
- New York to Boston TrainRON 642+

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