Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Sandusky

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Sandusky. Traveling by train from Chicago to Sandusky usually takes 5 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 5 hours.

Distance: 256 mi (412 km)
Fastest train: 5h
Lowest price: NOK 434.40
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Sandusky Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Sandusky?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Sandusky.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceNOK 706.66	Avg. PriceNOK 604.29Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips3
Duration	Duration5h 34mFaster	Duration12h 26m

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Sandusky:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Sandusky?

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Sandusky cost about NOK 623 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 630.64 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Sandusky by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Sandusky will cost between NOK 453 and NOK 1,152. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Sandusky by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Sandusky 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 NOK 529. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Sandusky during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 897 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Sandusky on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 630.64 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Sandusky?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Sandusky. Amtrak Lake Shore Limited usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak Floridian	1	5h	NOK 751.66
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited	2	5h 50m	NOK 684.19

Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Chicago to Sandusky start from NOK 434.40, and on average cost NOK 751.66. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Sandusky. Amtrak Floridian in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Sandusky trains arrive at 1200 N Depot St.
From Chicago to Sandusky train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 5 hours.
If you are looking to travel to Sandusky on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost NOK 434.40 for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.
The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is an overnight train that runs along some of the best shorelines in the U.S., connecting New York City and Boston with Chicago. The service provides top-tier amenities to its passengers, including free WiFi and dining onboard. The Lake Shore Limited departs from Union Station in Chicago and arrives at 1200 N Depot St in Sandusky. The route takes about 5 hours and 50 minutes and ticket prices start at NOK 434.40.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Sandusky

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Sandusky. You can also take a train for your return trip from Sandusky to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Sandusky for NOK 368.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Sandusky is approximately 256 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours. 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)

256

Distance (km)

412

The earliest train departs Chicago at 5:35 PM while the last train of the day leaves at 9:30 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

5:35pm

Last train

9:30pm

Trains from Chicago to Sandusky are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Tuesday

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.

Sandusky

Sandusky is a city in Ohio on Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay, about 70 miles from Cleveland. Sandusky appeals to art and culture lovers, with sites like the Museum of Sandusky offering exhibits on shipwrecks, boatbuilding, and ice harvesting. The city is known for having many family attractions, including wildlife, water, and amusement parks, including the Top Thrill Dragster and Maverick. The famous, sprawling Cedar Point park has many roller coasters, while the Merry-Go-Round Museum is known for its working vintage carousel and wooden animals.

Sandusky is known for having fresh wine from local vineyards, served in the wineries in the city. Although the craft beer scene is young, Sandusky features a vibrant nightlife, from taphouses and sports bars to nightclubs and taverns. Even during the day, the downtown area offers different local shops and great restaurants to visit.

Trains and buses head to Sandusky from various cities and offer daily scheduled trips. Amtrak serves Sandusky for trains and Jefferson Lines for the bus routes. The Sandusky Transit System provides public transportation within the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station 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 is the train station in Sandusky?

Main arrival station: 1200 N Depot St

Sandusky has one train station.

All train stations in Sandusky:

1200 N Depot St

Need a return trip from Sandusky to Chicago?

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