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Cheap train tickets from Baltimore to Chicago

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Baltimore to Chicago Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Baltimore to Chicago?

There are usually 10 daily bus trips available from Baltimore to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
HUF 37,647.06
Avg. Price
HUF 94,635.29
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
10
Daily Trips
8
Duration
Duration
22h 21m
Duration
22h 39m

Trip Summary

5 trains operate daily from Baltimore to Chicago. The train trip from Baltimore to Chicago is usually about 22 hours and 40 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 19 hours and 11 minutes.

Distance605 mi (973 km)
Fastest train19h 11m
Lowest priceHUF 33,613.45
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Baltimore to Chicago

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Richard

June 22, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Nice cozy atmosphere. Respect fully treated by staff. Cons: I cannot think of anything .

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 HUF 66,342.86. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Baltimore and Chicago. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 15 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra HUF 38,440.34.

Average train ticket prices from Baltimore to Chicago by travel date

HUF 161,345HUF 107,563HUF 53,782NovNov

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Baltimore to Chicago will range from HUF 55,798 to HUF 156,975. 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 HUF 60,168. 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

HUF 109,244HUF 87,395HUF 65,546HUF 43,697HUF 21,849DJFMAMJJASON
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Baltimore to Chicago, with the average price at just HUF 73,613. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to HUF 101,176. 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

HUF 126,050HUF 100,840HUF 75,630HUF 50,420HUF 25,2103020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Baltimore to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 15 days in advance. That way, you’ll save HUF 38,440.34 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 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak522h 33mHUF 90,715.97
Amtrak Cardinal11d 1h 27mHUF 78,638.66
  • 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 5 Amtrak trains from Baltimore to Chicago every day, as well as 12 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from HUF 33,613.

  • 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 27 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 22 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 11 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 Tuesday. Tuesday 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?

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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Need a return trip from Chicago to Baltimore?

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