Cheap train tickets from South Bend to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from South Bend to Chicago. Traveling by train from South Bend to Chicago usually takes 2 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in one hour and 54 minutes.
| Distance | 72 mi (116 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 54m |
| Lowest price | $24.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 2 |
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South Bend to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from South Bend to Chicago?
There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from South Bend to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$57.93 | Avg. Price$35.10Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips8 |
Duration | Duration2h 2mFaster | Duration3h 36m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from South Bend to Chicago (Based on 9 ratings and reviews)
5.0
May 22, 2023 - Visiting family
Amtrak Capitol Limited5.0
November 6, 2022 - Vacation
Amtrak Capitol Limited5.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from South Bend to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from South Bend to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from South Bend to Chicago was $31.67. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 19 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $91.64 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from South Bend to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from South Bend to Chicago will cost between $27 and $40. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from South Bend to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from South Bend 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 $30. If you're thinking of traveling from South Bend to Chicago during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $57 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from South Bend to Chicago on Wanderu at least 19 days ahead of time, you can save about $91.64 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from South Bend to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from South Bend to Chicago, including Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Floridian. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 2h 5m | $66.57 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 1h 54m | $38.80 |
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 2702 W Washington St in South Bend and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes and ticket prices start at $24.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from South Bend to Chicago start from $29, and on average cost $38.80. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Floridian in South Bend leaves from 2702 W Washington St. And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station.
From South Bend to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 1 hours and 54 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Chicago on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $29 for a one-way weekend reservation from South Bend.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from South Bend to Chicago
There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from South Bend to Chicago. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to South Bend. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from South Bend to Chicago for $16.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The distance between South Bend and Chicago is approximately 72 miles, or 116 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 54 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
DISTANCE (MI)
72
DISTANCE (KM)
116
The earliest train departs South Bend at 7:51am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:07am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:51am
LATEST TRAIN
9:07am
Trains from South Bend to Chicago are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
South Bend
South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.
Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!
South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several bus stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.
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 does the train leave from in South Bend?
Main departure station: 2702 W Washington St
The South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of "Michiana," the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.
All train stations in South Bend:
- 2702 W Washington St
Where does the train arrive in Chicago?
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
Need a return trip from Chicago to South Bend?
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