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Boston to Chicago train

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Boston - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Boston to Chicago. Traveling by train from Boston to Chicago usually takes around 23 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can make the trip in 22 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance849 mi (1366 km)
Fastest train22h 15m
Lowest price$96.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Boston to Chicago

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Manitya

January 11, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Very nice and safety that the first priority I choose Amtrak as sole traveler. Keep your. Cons: Keep your standard of the service as good as you are. Tips: Chicago to Los Angeles on January 18, 2022.

Pros: Very nice and safety that the first priority I choose Amtrak as sole traveler. Keep your. Cons: Keep your standard of the service as good as you are. Tips: Chicago to Los Angeles on January 18, 2022.

5.0

Katie

October 17, 2021

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

SUCH beautiful views along the way!!

SUCH beautiful views along the way!!

5.0

Anastasiia

August 17, 2019- Couples trip

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Everything were perfect. Cons: Sometimes it was too chilly in the train and some issues with WiFi on board. Tips: Pillow and blanket would be great addition for the coach seaters.

Pros: Everything were perfect. Cons: Sometimes it was too chilly in the train and some issues with WiFi on board. Tips: Pillow and blanket would be great addition for the coach seaters.

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

In the last month, $144.47 was the average price of a train ticket from Boston to Chicago. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $55.72 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$225$150$75MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Boston to Chicago will vary between $117 and $216. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Boston over the next 7 days is $140. 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

$200$160$120$80$40AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Boston to Chicago by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $111 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Boston to Chicago in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $181 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

$325$260$195$130$653020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Boston will be about $55.72 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Boston to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Boston to Chicago. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11d 13h 27m$300.03
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited122h 19m$184.66

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Boston to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $121.

  • 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 South Station in Boston and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 22 hours and 19 minutes and ticket prices start at $96.

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 Boston and Chicago is approximately 849 miles, or 1366 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours and 15 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.

Trains from Boston to Chicago 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Boston at 12:00pm and arrives in Chicago around 22 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.

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

City Information

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

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 Boston?

Boston, MA - South Station - BOSSST-0

Image credit: Tony Hisgett

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: South Station

South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.

All train stations in Boston:

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

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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