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There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Rochester to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceTRY 4,622.93 | Avg. PriceTRY 6,045.73 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration20h 2m | Duration11h 43m |
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Rochester to Chicago. The train trip from Rochester to Chicago is usually about 11 hours and 44 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can get you there in as little as 11 hours and 43 minutes.
| Distance | 518 mi (833 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 43m |
| Lowest price | TRY 3,073.81 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 1 |
Average score for trains from Rochester to Chicago
(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: Traveling during early mornings. Cons: Unclean bathroom. I had to clean it before using it. Tips: Carry sanitize wipes with you to clean bathroom .
4.0
Bring good pillows, blankets on all overnight trips. Noise canceling headphones and a sleep mask would help you get a more solid night sleep.
5.0
Very informative on time courteous
5.0
Pros: Ride with train. Cons: I'm back again to Rochester NY. Tips: My travel to Chicago it's wanderingful .
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is the one and only train line which connects Rochester to Chicago. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 1 | 11h 45m | TRY 5,963.20 |
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 Louise M. Slaughter Station in Rochester and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 11 hours and 45 minutes and ticket prices start at TRY 2,611.
The distance between Rochester and Chicago is approximately 518 miles, or 833 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 43 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 Rochester to Chicago on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Rochester at 11:00pm and arrives in Chicago around 11 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 Rochester.
Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.
Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.
The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louis M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.
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.
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionOpened in 2017, the Louise M. Slaughter Station Rochester is nearly brand new. It serves three Amtrak train lines: the Lake Shore Limited, the Empire Service, and the Maple Leaf. The station was renamed Louise M. Slaughter Station in honor of U.S. Representative Louise M. Slaughter, who died in March 2018. This intermodal transit station is connected to the rest of the area via transit buses and taxis. Spread across 9,500 square feet, Louise M. Slaughter Station has a classic red brick design, with cast stone and granite used in various places. At the station, you will find an indoor waiting area with plenty of seats. There are also several vending machines, an ATM, and restroom facilities.
Louise M. Slaughter Station
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.
Union Station
TRY 21,765+
TRY 19,891+
TRY 8,613+
TRY 14,588+
TRY 15,029+
TRY 4,768+
TRY 6,890+
TRY 11,002+
TRY 13,668+
TRY 3,799+
TRY 2,970+
TRY 3,473+
TRY 3,757+
TRY 2,673+
TRY 9,029+
TRY 6,821+
TRY 18,211+
TRY 28,806+
TRY 5,944+
TRY 8,350+
TRY 16,977+
TRY 7,893+
TRY 12,371+
TRY 13,945+
TRY 1,812+
TRY 1,029+
TRY 10,291+
TRY 2,877+
TRY 1,894+
TRY 2,305+
TRY 10,439+
TRY 9,391+
TRY 7,164+
TRY 2,609+
TRY 2,035+
TRY 1,553+
TRY 1,555+
TRY 9,149+
TRY 4,365+
TRY 10,154+
TRY 32,010+
TRY 4,199+
TRY 5,036+
TRY 5,566+
TRY 1,999+
TRY 897+
TRY 28,175+
TRY 1,957+
TRY 1,914+
TRY 1,215+
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