Cheap train tickets from Erie to Chicago
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Erie to Chicago?
There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from Erie to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$99.57 | Avg. Price$116.31 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration18h 19m | Duration8h 55m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Erie to Chicago. Traveling by train from Erie to Chicago usually takes 8 hours and 56 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 388 mi (624 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 56m |
| Lowest price | $62.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Erie to Chicago
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Erie to Chicago?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Erie to Chicago was $94.12. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 24 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $55.88.
Average train ticket prices from Erie to Chicago by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Erie to Chicago will range from $77 to $150. If you're planning to travel by train to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Erie you can find in the next 7 days is $78. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
Ticket prices for the train from Erie to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $67. If you're thinking of traveling from Erie to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $113 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Erie to Chicago on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $55.88 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Erie to Chicago?
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is the one and only train line which connects Erie 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 | 8h 57m | $112.51 |
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 125 W 14th St in Erie and arrives at Chicago (Union Station), Illinois in Chicago. The route takes about 8 hours and 57 minutes and ticket prices start at $62.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Erie to Chicago
The distance between Erie and Chicago is approximately 388 miles, or 624 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 56 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 Erie to Chicago on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Erie at 2:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00am. 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 Erie 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 Erie.
City Information
Erie
Image credit: Unsplash
Named for the Great Lake it sits upon, Erie is one of Pennsylvania's most picturesque cities. Erie is about halfway between Buffalo and Cleveland and about two hours north of Pittsburgh.
One of the most popular spots to visit, Presque Isle State Park, is a curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie and creates 11 miles of beaches. Swim on the beaches, birdwatch near some of its lagoons, or tour the Presque Isle Lighthouse for a full day of lakeside exploring. Then, head up to the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower on the bayfront for epic panoramic views of the park and lake beyond.
Discover the city's buzzing nightlife by visiting downtown Erie, where you'll find numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. Go big with a concert at Erie Insurance Arena, or watch a horse race at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
Barons Bus Lines and Jefferson Lines provide affordable bus transportation from Erie to Cleveland, Columbus, Buffalo, and beyond. The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited runs from Chicago through Erie, onward to Boston and New York City. Erie International Airport has a handful of flights to Charlotte and Chicago, but if you're flying from Erie, you'll find more destinations available from Buffalo or Cleveland's airports.
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 Erie?
Main departure station: 125 W 14th St
There is one train station in Erie.
All train stations in Erie:
125 W 14th 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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