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Elkhart to Chicago train

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Elkhart - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Elkhart to Chicago. The train trip from Elkhart to Chicago is usually about 2 hours and 25 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Capitol Limited train can get you there in as little as 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

Average 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 much.

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.

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.

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Elkhart and Chicago cost $25.29, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 24 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $21.26 more.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15AprApr

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Elkhart to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between $22 and $44 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Elkhart is $23.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15MJJASONDJFMA
Ticket prices for the train from Elkhart to Chicago 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 $25. If you're thinking of traveling from Elkhart to Chicago during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $58 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Elkhart to Chicago. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 24 days before departure, you can save around $21.26. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

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$31.33
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited22h 29m$29.46

  • 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 Chicago (Union Station), Illinois in Chicago. The route takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes and ticket prices start at $18.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday 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: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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