Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Buffalo
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Chicago to Buffalo Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Buffalo?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Buffalo.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceHRK 619.47 | Avg. PriceHRK 898.82 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration16h 57m | Duration17h 1m |
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Chicago to Buffalo. Traveling by train from Chicago to Buffalo usually takes 17 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 17 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 452 mi (727 km) |
| Fastest train | 17h 2m |
| Lowest price | HRK 491.12 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Chicago to Buffalo
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Buffalo by travel date
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Buffalo by month
Which train should you take from Chicago to Buffalo?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Buffalo. 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 | 17h 3m | HRK 846.30 |
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 to Buffalo every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from HRK 491.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Buffalo
The distance between Chicago and Buffalo is approximately 452 miles, or 727 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 17 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 2 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.
Trains from Chicago to Buffalo 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 9:00pm and arrives in Buffalo around 17 hours later.
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 Buffalo 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.
Buffalo
Buffalo is a great budget destination that will not burn through your pocket. Located just a few hours’ drive away from Niagara Falls, the city serves as a transportation hub for tourists who want to marvel at the sights of the famous landmark. Visitors can either enjoy the tour from a boat, or walk around the section behind the falls themselves. If you opt for a more idyllic and peaceful destination instead, Forest Lawn is a good choice. A beautiful cemetery that is far from the hustle and bustle of the big city, the destination is a perfect spot for a picnic. As the day winds down to an end, don’t hesitate to attend a performance at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, which features lavish interiors as well as amazing Broadway shows.
Buffalo’s chicken wings are the city’s trademark dish, and tourists who wish to grab a bite could do so at Duff’s Famous Wings or Anchor Bar. For a wider selection, The Left Bank is an even better option.
The principal bus station in Buffalo is the Metropolitan Transportation Center downtown. Travelers can catch buses by Greyhound, New York Trailways, Fullington Trailways and Barons Bus Lines from this station. The main Amtrak train station in Buffalo is located on Exchange St not too far from the bus station. Buffalo is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s principal airport is the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is located in the suburb area of Cheektowaga. The city is also served by the nearby Niagara Falls International Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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 is the train station in Buffalo?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 75 Exchange St
Situated in a busy area, the Amtrak Station on Exchange Street is a central hub of transportation for the city of Buffalo. The primary services provided by the station include the Amtrak train lines, Empire Service and Maple Leaf, as well as intercity buses on Amtrak Thruway. The station is not the first passenger train station on Exchange Street, as there have been four previous stations on the same street. The most recent building includes a state-of-the-art waiting area as well as drop-off and pick-up zones. The station also features a parking lot with plenty of spaces. Possible destinations from Buffalo include Niagara Falls and New York City.
All train stations in Buffalo:
75 Exchange St
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