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Elkhart to Chicago train

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Elkhart - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 3 daily trains from Elkhart to Chicago. Traveling by train from Elkhart to Chicago usually takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can make the trip in 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Distance86 mi (139 km)
Fastest train2h 16m
Lowest price$18.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Elkhart to Chicago

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Cherry Anne

January 12, 2023- Business

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Superb! Nice deal. Much comfortable than riding an airplane. Cons: Nothing. Just keep the same service. Tips: I think in the union station lobby try to ads charging station for phone. Cos mine my phone battery drops and I need to charge my phone but I cant find m...

Pros: Superb! Nice deal. Much comfortable than riding an airplane. Cons: Nothing. Just keep the same service. Tips: I think in the union station lobby try to ads charging station for phone. Cos mine my phone battery drops and I need to charge my phone but I cant find much.

More

5.0

Heather

February 15, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Courteous and helpful staff. Clean and comfortable. Air temperature was very nice; not to hot, not to cold.

Courteous and helpful staff. Clean and comfortable. Air temperature was very nice; not to hot, not to cold.

4.0

Jeanette

October 25, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: I liked the spaciousness and it was pleasant to just ride in comfort! Cons: I was almost one hour late leaving. Coming back we left on time, but still got to me destination 30 minutes late. Tips: Bring your own healthy snacks.

Pros: I liked the spaciousness and it was pleasant to just ride in comfort! Cons: I was almost one hour late leaving. Coming back we left on time, but still got to me destination 30 minutes late. Tips: Bring your own healthy snacks.

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

In the last month, $28.76 was the average price of a train ticket from Elkhart to Chicago. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 28 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $11.38 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Elkhart to Chicago will vary between $25 and $37. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Elkhart over the next 7 days is $30. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Elkhart to Chicago by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for February. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $20 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Elkhart to Chicago in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $27 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Elkhart will be about $11.38 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Elkhart to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Elkhart to Chicago. 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Capitol Limited12h 16m$39.16
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited22h 29m$31.84

  • Passing through seven states, 16 cities, and various National Parks, Amtrak Capitol Limited connects Washington D.C. and Chicago, on 750 miles of railroad. Taking over 17 hours for a complete trip, these trains offer various overnight accommodations and feature panoramic observation cars where passengers can enjoy exceptional scenery. The trains include various options for food; however, WiFi connectivity is not available onboard due to the rural nature of the route.

  • 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 131 Tyler Ave in Elkhart and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes and ticket prices start at $18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

The distance between Elkhart and Chicago is approximately 86 miles, or 139 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 25 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 16 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Elkhart to Chicago on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Elkhart at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Elkhart to Chicago.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Elkhart.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Elkhart?

Main departure station: 131 Tyler Ave

There is one train station in Elkhart.

All train stations in Elkhart:

  • 131 Tyler Ave

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

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