Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Erie
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
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.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Chicago to Erie Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Erie?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Erie.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PricePLN 399.35 | Avg. PricePLN 369.45 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration16h 8m | Duration8h 48m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Erie. Traveling by train from Chicago to Erie usually takes 8 hours and 48 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 388 mi (624 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 48m |
| Lowest price | PLN 277.05 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Chicago to Erie
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Erie by month
Which train should you take from Chicago to Erie?
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Erie. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 8h 48m | PLN 463.68 |
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 125 W 14th St in Erie. The route takes about 8 hours and 48 minutes and ticket prices start at PLN 194.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Erie
The distance between Chicago and Erie is approximately 388 miles, or 624 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 48 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Chicago to Erie. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 9:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Erie with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Erie 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.
Erie
Image credit: Unsplash
Named for the Great Lake it sits upon, Erie is one of Pennsylvania's most picturesque cities. Erie is about halfway between Buffalo and Cleveland and about two hours north of Pittsburgh.
One of the most popular spots to visit, Presque Isle State Park, is a curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie and creates 11 miles of beaches. Swim on the beaches, birdwatch near some of its lagoons, or tour the Presque Isle Lighthouse for a full day of lakeside exploring. Then, head up to the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower on the bayfront for epic panoramic views of the park and lake beyond.
Discover the city's buzzing nightlife by visiting downtown Erie, where you'll find numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. Go big with a concert at Erie Insurance Arena, or watch a horse race at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
Barons Bus Lines and Jefferson Lines provide affordable bus transportation from Erie to Cleveland, Columbus, Buffalo, and beyond. The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited runs from Chicago through Erie, onward to Boston and New York City. Erie International Airport has a handful of flights to Charlotte and Chicago, but if you're flying from Erie, you'll find more destinations available from Buffalo or Cleveland's airports.
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 Erie?
Main arrival station: 125 W 14th St
Erie has one train station.
All train stations in Erie:
125 W 14th St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Erie to Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
- Chicago to Denver
PLN 866+
- Chicago to Miami
PLN 1,502+
- Train from Chicago to Atlanta
PLN 1,568+
- Train from Chicago to Springfield
PLN 768+
- Chicago to Detroit Train
PLN 293+
- Chicago to East Lansing Train
PLN 214+
- Chicago to Flint Train
PLN 237+
- Chicago to Holland Train
PLN 206+
- Train from Chicago to New Buffalo
PLN 80+
- Train from Chicago to Saint Paul
PLN 379+
- Train from Chicago to St Louis
PLN 246+
- Train from Chicago to Buffalo
PLN 508+
- Train from Chicago to Niagara Falls
PLN 514+
- Chicago to Philadelphia Train
PLN 916+
- Chicago to Pittsburgh
PLN 509+
- Chicago to Columbus Train
PLN 154+
- Chicago to Milwaukee Train
PLN 110+
Continue by train from Erie
- Train from Erie to Los Angeles
PLN 2,005+
- Erie to Denver
PLN 1,221+
- Train from Erie to Chicago
PLN 541+
- Train from Erie to Boston
PLN 579+
- Train from Erie to Baltimore
PLN 959+
- Train from Erie to Detroit
PLN 511+
- Train from Erie to St Louis
PLN 1,707+
- Train from Erie to Buffalo
PLN 147+
- Erie to New York Train
PLN 545+
- Erie to Rochester Train
PLN 172+
- Erie to Syracuse Train
PLN 287+
- Train from Erie to Cleveland
PLN 103+
- Train from Erie to Philadelphia
PLN 792+
- Erie to Seattle
PLN 2,703+
- Train from Erie to Milwaukee
PLN 606+
Check out these popular routes
- Montreal to Québec Train
PLN 195+
- Québec to Montreal
PLN 198+
- New Haven to New York Train
PLN 214+
- Train from Washington D.C. to New York
PLN 279+
- Miami to Tampa Train
PLN 298+
- Chicago to Detroit Train
PLN 293+
- Train from Chicago to Saint Paul
PLN 379+
- Boston to Providence Train
PLN 81+
- New York to New Haven Train
PLN 243+
- Train from New York to Boston
PLN 628+
- Train from New York to Providence
PLN 563+
- Train from Portland to Seattle
PLN 191+
- Seattle to Portland Train
PLN 1,099+
- Seattle to New York Train
PLN 3,955+
- Train from Seattle to Philadelphia
PLN 2,602+
- Train from Seattle to Vancouver
PLN 191+
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.