Cheap train tickets from Syracuse to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Syracuse to Chicago. Traveling by train from Syracuse to Chicago usually takes 13 hours and 7 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 590 mi (950 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 7m |
| Lowest price | $106.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Syracuse to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Syracuse to Chicago?
There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from Syracuse to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$199.47 | Avg. Price$131.80Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration13h 7mFaster | Duration20h 37m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Syracuse to Chicago (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Syracuse to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Syracuse to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Syracuse to Chicago was $118.60. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. 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 $194.08 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Syracuse to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Syracuse to Chicago will cost between $74 and $169. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Syracuse to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Syracuse to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $128. If you're thinking of traveling from Syracuse to Chicago during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $255 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 Syracuse to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $194.08 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Syracuse to Chicago?
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is the one and only train line which connects Syracuse to Chicago. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 13h 7m | $199.47 |
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 Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir in Syracuse and arrives at Union Station in Chicago. The route takes about 13 hours and 7 minutes and ticket prices start at $104.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Syracuse to Chicago
Trains leave the station in Syracuse twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Syracuse. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Syracuse to Chicago for $72.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
The distance between Syracuse and Chicago is approximately 590 miles, or 950 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 7 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)
590
Distance (km)
950
The earliest train departs Syracuse at 10:05pm while the last train of the day leaves at 10:05pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
10:05pm
Last train
10:05pm
Trains from Syracuse to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Syracuse
Syracuse might not be the top destination for tourists in New York, but it does have plenty of quirky and fun destinations for all age groups. Upon your first arrival to the city, don’t miss out on the chance to take a stroll around the historic Armory Square, considered to be the top destination by locals. The square also features plenty of restaurants and nightclubs if you are looking for the quarter with the best nightlife in town. If you want to mingle with a good crowd for some fun, the Carrier Dome, which is located within the campus of Syracuse University, will offer the adrenaline rush you need. For those seeking a more culturally-inclined activity, head towards the Everson Museum of Art and marvel at the most significant collection of American ceramics in the country.
Syracuse features a vibrant and diverse food scene. If you enjoy brunch, Modern Malt, a local favorite, is the place to be. And for some amazing authentic Cuban dishes, head to Esquina Habanera.
The busiest bus and train station in the city is the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center. From there you can catch an Amtrak train or a bus run by Greyhound, New York Trailways, OurBus or Jefferson Lines to various cities, including New York, Boston, and Albany. Syracuse is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is the principal airport in the city, and it is located five miles northwest of downtown.
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 Syracuse?
Main departure station: Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir
Opened in 1998, the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center (commonly referred to as the RTC) serves as a multi-service stop for travel throughout Central New York. The Transportation Center serves several Amtrak train lines, including the Empire Service, the Maple Leaf, and the Lake Shore Limited, as well as Greyhound and Trailways buses. As the central ground travel hub in Syracuse, the station provides transport for roughly 153,000 people annually. In addition to providing easy access to local landmarks such as the Destiny USA shopping center and the NBT Bank Stadium, the RTC can also take you further afield to popular destinations such as Niagara Falls, New York City, and Washington, D.C., among other places. At the RTC, you will find a Dunkin' Donuts, as well as a Great States newsstand. The free WiFi and climate-controlled waiting area make it a pleasant place to wait for your bus or train.
All train stations in Syracuse:
- Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir
Where is the train station 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 Syracuse?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Syracuse
Continue by train from Chicago
Check out these popular routes
- Seattle to Vancouver Train$84+
- Boston to Washington, DC Train$186+
- New York to Washington, DC Train$118+
- Seattle, WA to Vancouver, WA Train$52+
- San Diego to Los Angeles Train$36+
- New York to Providence Train$125+
- Portland to Seattle Train$48+
- Washington, DC to Boston Train$187+
- Los Angeles to San Diego Train$42+
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.