4.0
Pros: Nice cozy atmosphere. Respect fully treated by staff. Cons: I cannot think of anything .
Cheap train tickets from Baltimore to Chicago
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Baltimore to Chicago?
There are usually 20 daily bus trips available from Baltimore to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$139.53 | Avg. Price$252.28 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips20 | Daily Trips8 |
Duration | Duration1d 3h 37m | Duration23h 14m |
Trip Summary
5 trains operate daily from Baltimore to Chicago. The train trip from Baltimore to Chicago is usually about 23 hours and 12 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 19 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 605 mi (973 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 5m |
| Lowest price | $97.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Baltimore to Chicago
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Baltimore to Chicago?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Baltimore to Chicago was $235.48. Train tickets on this route are typically priced higher due to the distance covered. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 14 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $101.14.
Average train ticket prices from Baltimore to Chicago by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Baltimore to Chicago will range from $162 to $425. If you're planning to travel by train to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Baltimore you can find in the next 7 days is $162. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Average train ticket prices from Baltimore to Chicago by month
You can find the lowest prices on this route during January. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Baltimore to Chicago, with the average price at just $173. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to $270. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Baltimore to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 14 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $101.14 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Baltimore to Chicago?
2 train services operate from Baltimore to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 23h 4m | $283.48 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 1d 1h 30m | $163.40 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Baltimore to Chicago every day, as well as 13 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $109.
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Baltimore to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 25 hours and 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Baltimore to Chicago
The distance between Baltimore and Chicago is approximately 605 miles, or 973 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 5 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Baltimore 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 Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Baltimore at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Baltimore 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 Baltimore.
City Information
Baltimore
Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing "Good Morning, Baltimore'' as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.
Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centered in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbor from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired "The Star Spangled Banner," head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.
Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighborhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous bus and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transportation, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.
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 Baltimore?
Main departure station: Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
There are two stations in Baltimore where you can board the train to Chicago.
All train stations in Baltimore:
Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St
Where is the train station in Chicago?
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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