Cheap train tickets from Boston to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Boston to Chicago. Traveling by train from Boston to Chicago usually takes 24 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can make the trip in 22 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 849 mi (1366 km) |
| Fastest train | 22h 15m |
| Lowest price | $147.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Boston to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Boston to Chicago?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Boston to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$291.43 | Avg. Price$209.94Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration24h 21mFaster | Duration30h 54m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Boston to Chicago (Based on 9 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Boston to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Boston to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Boston to Chicago was $201.55. Considering the distance between Boston and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $359.74 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Boston to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Boston to Chicago will cost between $115 and $243. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Boston to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Boston to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $208. If you're thinking of traveling from Boston to Chicago during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $461 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 Boston to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $359.74 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Boston to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Boston to Chicago, including Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak. 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 | 22h 19m | $266.90 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 29h 22m | $351.88 |
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 $121.
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 $177.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Boston to Chicago
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Boston to Chicago. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Boston. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Boston to Chicago for $91.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Boston and Chicago is approximately 849 miles, or 1366 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 21 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
849
DISTANCE (KM)
1366
The earliest train departs Boston at 6:10am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:51pm. 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
6:10am
LATEST TRAIN
6:51pm
Trains from Boston 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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 does the train leave from in Boston?
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 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 Boston?
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