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There are usually 2 daily train trips available from East Lansing to Chicago. Traveling by train from East Lansing to Chicago usually takes 7 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Blue Water train can make the trip in 3 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 171 mi (276 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 51m |
| Lowest price | $25.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from East Lansing to Chicago
(Based on 38 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Good team. Cons: All the best. Tips: Better.
5.0
Pros: Clean seating, good food options, and attentive staff. Tips: Arrive early or you will get left behind haha.
5.0
Pros: Not having to stress about driving in bad weather. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.
5.0
Everything as expected. Comfortable and very helpful crew
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from East Lansing to Chicago was $40.91. 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 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $26.98 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from East Lansing to Chicago will range from $32 to $72. If you're planning to travel by train to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from East Lansing you can find in the next 7 days is $33. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from East Lansing to Chicago. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 26 days before departure, you can save around $26.98. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
2 train services operate from East Lansing to Chicago. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 10h 40m | $51.59 |
| Amtrak Blue Water | 1 | 3h 51m | $46.27 |
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 East Lansing to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $38.
The Blue Water is a higher-speed Amtrak train line that travels 319 miles between Chicago, IL and Port Huron, MI. Both Coach and Business Class tickets are available to purchase on the Blue Water, but if you’re looking to save, make sure to book early and you could find tickets for as low as $25. Blue Water trains include amenities like free WiFi, cafe service, and power outlets at every seat.
The distance between East Lansing and Chicago is approximately 171 miles, or 276 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 51 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 East Lansing to Chicago are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.
The earliest train departs East Lansing at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in East Lansing twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Chicago faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to East Lansing.
East Lansing, a city shockingly located just east of Lansing, is primarily known as the home of Michigan State University. In fact, around half of its population is composed of students, and some of the city's most visited attractions are situated on the college campus. Among them are the historic W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, the 104-foot-tall Beaumont Tower, the contemporary Broad Art Museum, and the renowned Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Aside from its vibrant college life, East Lansing is also known for its yearly events, such as The East Lansing Film Festival, the largest of its kind in the entire state.
Lake Lansing is a go-to for swimming, fishing, or just getting some fresh air, but you'll also find parks and golf courses all around the city. The tree-lined Grand River Avenue divides the MSU campus from the rest of the city; find some of the city's best shopping and dining in the Grand River area, including HopCat, Beggar's Banquet, and Barrio East Lansing.
Public transit buses connect East Lansing to the closest airport, the Capital Region International Airport. However, it's also easy to take an intercity bus to nearby travel hubs, Detroit and Chicago, by booking a ticket with Greyhound, Indian Trails, or Jefferson Lines. East Lansing is a stop on Amtrak's Blue Water line, which makes train travel in and out of the city a breeze.
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.
There is one train station in East Lansing.
Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
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