Planning a trip to the Windy City? Whether you’re departing from New York, Los Angeles, or anywhere else, taking the train to Chicago is one of the most effective, beautiful, and cost-saving methods of travel. Take a look at this guide since it covers everything: it has info on itinerary, cost, and tips on the station and booking. There is confidence for the Chicago train journey.
Why Take a Train to Chicago?
Chicago is considered to be the central point of railroads in America. Each major Amtrak route through the Midwest begins, finishes, or runs through Chicago and makes Chicago one of the cities with the greatest accessibility within the United States by train. However, beyond the convenience factor, there are reasons what makes thousands of tourists opt for trains over taking a flight or driving each year:
There’s no hassle at the airport- Don’t worry about arriving two hours earlier, taking off your shoes, or sitting at a jammed departure gate. Train travel is when you arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to departure, and you can get on without a hitch.
It’s a scenic route that’s not accessible at a height of 30 to 30,000 feet- If you’re traversing the Appalachians in New York or gliding through the Mississippi River valley from New Orleans, the views you can see from the Amtrak windows are truly breathtaking.
Comfortable and more legroom- Even with standard coach seating, Amtrak seats are significantly larger than the economy seats on airlines. Sleeper buses on long-distance routes are available that have beds, separate rooms, as well as fine dining.
You can work, relax, or even sleep- Free WiFi is available on many routes, electrical outlets in all seats, a cafe car, and absolutely none of the turbulence that trains experience; they are quiet and productive.
Eco-friendly travel- Trains generate significantly less carbon dioxide emissions per mile when compared with cars and airplanes. Great for those who are conscious of their carbon footprint.
City-center arrivals- In Chicago, the Union Station is right in the downtown center, located just minutes away from hotels as well as the L train and top dining establishments. There are no long transfers from the airport to downtown.
Which Trains Go to Chicago?
Chicago’s only passenger rail service provider is Amtrak, the national rail system. Amtrak has a number of train routes that travel to Chicago’s Union Station:
| Train Name | Route | Key Cities Served |
| Lake Shore Limited | New York/Boston → Chicago | Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Toledo |
| Capitol Limited | Washington D.C. → Chicago | Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cleveland |
| Empire Builder | Chicago → Seattle/Portland | Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Spokane |
| California Zephyr | Chicago → San Francisco | Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno |
| Southwest Chief | Chicago → Los Angeles | Kansas City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff |
| City of New Orleans | Chicago → New Orleans | Champaign, Memphis, Jackson |
| Cardinal | New York → Chicago (3x/week) | Charlottesville, Cincinnati |
| Hiawatha | Chicago → Milwaukee | Multiple stops (daily service) |
| Illini / Saluki | Chicago → Carbondale | Champaign, Mattoon |
| Lincoln Service | Chicago → St. Louis | Joliet, Springfield |
Chicago is connected to both West and East Coast regions by rail lines that cover almost all major regions in the United States.
Popular Train Routes to Chicago From Major US Cities
Below is a summary of the most frequent train routes to Chicago with travel distance and travel time estimates:
| Departure City | Train Route | Approx. Distance | Approx. Travel Time |
| New York City | Lake Shore Limited | ~960 miles | ~19-20 hours |
| Washington D.C. | Capitol Limited | ~780 miles | ~17-18 hours |
| Boston | Lake Shore Limited | ~1,100 miles | ~22-23 hours |
| Los Angeles | Southwest Chief | ~2,256 miles | ~43 hours |
| San Francisco | California Zephyr | ~2,438 miles | ~52 hours |
| New Orleans | City of New Orleans | ~926 miles | ~19 hours |
| Milwaukee | Hiawatha | ~92 miles | ~1.5 hours |
| St. Louis | Lincoln Service | ~284 miles | ~5.5 hours |
| Minneapolis | Empire Builder | ~412 miles | ~8 hours |
| Seattle | Empire Builder | ~2,206 miles | ~46 hours |
A layover or direct destination in Chicago makes a great option for a flight to or from anywhere in the country, offering short flights to places all across the Midwest and the rest of the country.
Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
The Lake Shore Limited is one of Amtrak’s most notable long-distance train services. This service travels from New York City to Chicago.
Schedule Overview
The Lake Shore Limited leaves New York City once a day. This takes place in the afternoon at about 3:40 PM ET. It reaches Chicago the following morning at about 9:45 AM CT. The Boston section of the train leaves South Station at about 4:00 PM ET and travels to Albany, where it connects with the New York section.
| Segment | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
| New York (Penn) → Chicago | ~3:40 PM ET | ~9:45 AM CT | ~19.5 hours |
| Boston (South Station) → Chicago | ~4:00 PM ET | ~9:45 AM CT | ~22 hours |
Note: Schedules are subject to seasonal changes. Always verify current times on Amtrak. com.
Ticket Tips for NYC-Chicago
- Get tickets in advance: Tickets for the route are sold out quickly, particularly for sleeper vehicles. Make reservations 3-6 months in advance to get the lowest rates.
- Amtrak’s most affordable class, Saver, cannot be refunded, but it could be as cheap as $49 one-way for coach.
- Mid-week travel: Wednesday and Tuesday departures are generally cheaper than Sunday and Friday trains.
- Think about the benefits of overnight travel – If the train travels all night, you only pay the cost of a hotel night.
- Sleeper vehicles are a great option for long distances: A Roomette on the Lake Shore Limited includes meals along with linens and even a separate space to rest – making the journey of 19 hours pleasant.
Chicago Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
Important things to know about taking Amtrak before your first ride to Chicago:
Get there on time but not too late: In contrast to airports, you do not need to arrive two hours early. A 20-30 minute drive is usually enough, and 45 minutes is more secure for routes that are busy.
Make sure to check-in at the gate, not only at the counter for tickets: On long-distance trains, passengers are able to line up in designated areas for gates at the station. The staff will verify the mobile or ticket prior to boarding.
Bring snacks for long trips: There is food in the cafe car; however, it’s not plentiful and costly. If you plan to travel for more than 5 hours, be sure to bring your own food and beverages as well as a water bottle that can be refilled.
There are outlets and WiFi readily available: A majority of Amtrak trains come with outlets near the seats as well as Free (though often slower) WiFi. You can download offline content to backup.
Bags have different rules from airlines: It is possible to bring two carry-on bags as well as 2 personal items to check for free. Big bags of checked luggage can be checked at the staffed stations at a cost of a tiny charge.
Delays happen – plan buffer time. Long-distance Amtrak trains are often late in the afternoon, and sometimes for up to an hour, and this is especially true for those in the Midwest. Do not schedule a fast connection at the time of arrival.
Quiet car etiquette: Trains often have a designated quiet car, where phones and conversations aren’t allowed. Check for signage when you board.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Chicago
Most routes to Chicago are direct with no need to change trains. However, connections may be necessary if you are traveling from smaller or regional areas.
Direct Routes to Chicago
- New York – Chicago (Lake Shore Limited)
- Washington, D.C. – Chicago (Capitol Limited)
- New Orleans – Chicago (City of New Orleans)
- Los Angeles – Chicago (Southwest Chief)
- San Francisco – Chicago (California Zephyr)
- Milwaukee to Chicago (Hiawatha trains, daily trains)
- St. Louis – Chicago (Lincoln Service, several daily trains)
Connecting Routes (Transfer Required)
If you are traveling from a city without direct train access to Chicago, there are a number of places where you might need to switch trains to continue your journey. Common connection points include:
| Origin | Connect At | Onward Train to Chicago |
| Atlanta | Washington D.C. | Capitol Limited |
| Dallas | San Antonio or LA | Texas Eagle + Southwest Chief |
| Miami | New York or D.C. | Lake Shore Limited or Capitol Limited |
| Phoenix | Los Angeles | Southwest Chief |
| Denver | (direct on Zephyr) | California Zephyr |
Use Amtrak’s trip planner at Amtrak.com to discover the best routes from your city.
Business Class vs Coach on Chicago Trains
Amtrak offers various travel classes on trains to Chicago to accommodate varying budgets and comfort preferences:
| Feature | Coach | Business Class | Sleeper (Roomette) | Sleeper (Bedroom) |
| Seat Type | Reclining coach seat | Wider, more reclined seat | Converts to 2 beds | Private room, 1 bed |
| Legroom | Standard | Extra | N/A (flat bed) | N/A (flat bed) |
| Meals Included | No | Sometimes | Yes (long-distance) | Yes (long-distance) |
| Private Space | No | No | Yes (lockable) | Yes (en suite) |
| Best For | Budget travelers | Short/medium trips | Overnight journeys | Ultimate comfort |
| Approx. Price (NYC-Chicago) | $49-$150 | $80-$200 | $200-$400 | $350-$600+ |
For trips that are less than 8 hours, Coach is sufficiently ideal. For longer trips that will involve an overnight journey such as NYC to Chicago (19+ hours), a Roomette sleeper is definitely recommended to change the journey from an endurance test to a real travel experience.
Chicago Train Station
Chicago Union Station (known in some Amtrak cases as Chicago-Rensselaer) is the central rail hub for all Amtrak services in the Midwest and one of the busiest train stations in the U.S.
Station Details
| Detail | Info |
| Full Name | Chicago Union Station |
| Address | 225 S. Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Amtrak Code | CHI |
| Open Hours | Daily (6:00 AM – 12:30 AM, with some variation) |
| WiFi | Free WiFi available throughout the station |
| Parking | Yes, paid parking garage on-site |
| Accessibility | Full ADA accessible, elevator access |
Amenities at Chicago Union Station
The Great Hall of Chicago Union Station is one of the most beautiful train station interiors in America – an expansive Beaux-Arts space with soaring ceilings, marble floors, and classical columns. Beyond the beauty of the architecture, the station offers:
- Cafes and multiple restaurants (including Starbucks, local eateries, as well as a full-service restaurant)
- A Metropolitan Lounge to accommodate business class passengers and sleepers (complimentary access)
- A newsstand and retail stores
- Amtrak ticket offices and counters for customer service
- Checked baggage storage and luggage storage service
- Bathrooms with clean facilities and shower facilities
- Many waiting areas include the main hall, as well as separated waiting zones.
Getting Around Chicago from Union Station
Chicago Union Station is the best option when looking for an easy trip into the city:
| Transport | Details |
| CTA ‘L’ Train | Clinton station (Blue/Green/Pink Line) – 3 min walk |
| Metra Commuter Rail | On-site access via underground concourse |
| Taxi / Rideshare | Uber/Lyft pickup zone outside Canal St entrance |
| Bus | Multiple CTA bus routes stop nearby |
| Walking | Downtown hotels, Millennium Park, and the Loop are within a 10-20 min walk |
Step-by-Step Guide
Buying tickets for Amtrak trains to Chicago is quick and simple. Here’s the best way to do it:
Step 1: Go to Amtrak.com or Download the App
Go to Amtrak.com to download the no-cost Amtrak application for iOS as well as Android.
Step 2: Enter Your Trip Details
- Select Round Trip or One Way
- Select the city of your departure as well as Chicago as the destination.
- Choose your travel dates
- Input the passenger’s number.
Step 3: Choose Your Train and Class
Check out the available trains, time of departure, as well as prices. The list of options includes:
- Saver (cheapest Non-refundable)
- Value (standard and partially refundable)
- Flexibility (fully refundable)
- Upgrades to Business Class or Sleeper
Step 4: Create an Account or Sign In
Start a new Amtrak Guest Rewards account and get points for every trip. The cost is free, and you can earn points in a short time if you regularly travel.
Step 5: Enter Passenger Details and Payment
Input your name, contact information, and your payment method. Amtrak accepts major credit and debit cards. PayPal, as well as Amtrak gift cards.
Step 6: Receive Your e-Ticket
The ticket is sent to you via email, either as an image or QR code. You may also view it through the Amtrak application. Printing is not required; simply present your smartphone at the time of boarding.
Booking Tips
- Plan at least 14-21 calendar days in advance to get the best price for long-distance flights.
- Make use of Amtrak Guest Rewards – points earned, which can be used to redeem towards free travel
- Multiple city trips can be reserved in one transaction
- AAA Senior (65plus) students, military discounts, and veterans are offered – choose at checkout.
Chicago Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
Amtrak prices are affected by the class you book, the route you take, how early you book, and demand in your season. The following is an estimate of the costs on some of the more popular train routes out of Chicago.
| Route | Coach (Saver) | Coach (Flexible) | Business Class | Roomette Sleeper |
| Milwaukee → Chicago | $10-$25 | $20-$40 | $35-$60 | N/A |
| St. Louis → Chicago | $18-$45 | $35-$75 | $55-$95 | N/A |
| Minneapolis → Chicago | $29-$79 | $49-$120 | $80-$150 | $200-$350 |
| NYC → Chicago | $49-$150 | $100-$250 | $120-$280 | $200-$450 |
| D.C. → Chicago | $49-$130 | $90-$200 | $110-$250 | $190-$420 |
| New Orleans → Chicago | $49-$130 | $90-$190 | $110-$240 | $190-$400 |
| LA → Chicago | $79-$200 | $150-$350 | N/A | $300-$700+ |
Prices are an estimation and vary based on how far in advance you book and the current supply.
Top Ways to Save Money on Chicago Train Tickets
1. Make early reservations: Saver fares are released and sold out sooner the further out you book. There’s a correlation between time and ticket price.
2. Travel at off-peak times: Traveling mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and avoiding holidays is a good way to find lower ticket prices.
3. Sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards: You can earn 2 points for every dollar spent on Amtrak tickets. Accumulating points can score free tickets. Those who ride frequently can achieve Select or Select Plus status for benefits including upgrade credits.
4. Rail sale: Amtrak holds 20% to 50% off sales periodically. Joining the email list is a way to know about the upcoming sales.
5. Traveling with kids is free: Kids are 50% off ticket prices when they’re between the ages of 2 and 12. Kids under 2 travel free.
6. Use AAA for a ticket discount: AAA, NARP, and military programs are just a few of the organizations that offer 10% – 15% off tickets.
7. Using a multi-ride ticket is a good value: If you frequently travel the same route between the cities (like Chicago – Milwaukee or Chicago – St. Louis), you can get a better price on a 10-Ride ticket.
Best Time to Visit Chicago by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
Chicago attracts visitors all year. Train travelers can find pros and cons to traveling in each season:
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds | Ticket Price | Best For |
| Spring | March-May | 45-65°F, mild | Moderate | Medium | City exploration, festivals |
| Summer | June-August | 70-90°F, humid | High | Higher | Outdoor events, lakefront |
| Fall | Sept-November | 45-65°F, crisp | Moderate | Medium | Architecture tours, foliage |
| Winter | Dec-February | 15-35°F, snowy | Low | Lower | Budget travel, indoor culture |
Spring: An ideal season. Temperatures are pleasant for walking, while the crowds and blooming flowers are at a good level along the lakefront. Mid-March also has St. Patrick’s Day festivities, especially the river dyeing.
Summer: This is when most tourists arrive. At Chicago’s outdoor food and music festivals, like the Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza, you will find a great atmosphere and a lot of fun. Expect the tickets to sell and the prices to spike.
Fall: Many Chicagoans say this is the best season. The air is cool, crowds are small, and the autumn leaves are in view. This is the best time for a Chicago architecture boat tour.
Winter: Chicago has harsh winters with wind chills below 0 F, but the city has a lot to offer to make up for it, especially around the holidays. The tickets drop in price, and indoor attractions, like the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry, and the food are great as well.
Train vs Bus vs Car to Chicago: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
Here is a detailed comparison of getting to Chicago based on your budget, time, and what is most important to you:
| Factor | Train (Amtrak) | Bus (Greyhound/FlixBus) | Car (Driving) | Plane (Flying) |
| Comfort | – | – | – | – |
| Cost | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Speed | Medium | Slow | Medium-Fast | Fastest |
| City-Center Arrival | Yes (Union Station) | Yes | Parking challenge | Airport far from city |
| Luggage Flexibility | High | Limited | Unlimited | Fees apply |
| Scenic Value | – | – | – | – |
| Environmental Impact | Low | Low | High | Very High |
| Work/Relax En Route | Yes | Somewhat | No (driving) | Somewhat |
| Best For | Comfort seekers, eco travelers | Budget travelers | Small groups, road trips | Long-distance speed |
Bottom line: For trips less than 500 miles, trains are easier and more comfortable. For trips over 1,000 miles, flying is faster, but trains are a far better experience, especially if you get a sleeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does Amtrak go to Chicago?
Yes. Amtrak Chicago Union Station connects to major cities like New York, D.C., LA, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Q2. How long does it take to get to Chicago by train from New York?
About 19-20 hours on the Lake Shore Limited – departs NYC in lthe ate afternoon, arrives in Chicago the next morning.
Q3. How much does an Amtrak ticket to Chicago cost?
Coach fares start at $10-$49 with advance Saver fares. Sleeper cabins range from $190-$700 depending on route and room type.
Q4. Which Chicago train station does Amtrak use?
Chicago Union Station, 225 S. Canal Street – easily reachable via CTA, taxi, rideshare, or on foot.
Q5. Can I bring luggage on the train to Chicago?
Yes – 2 free carry-ons + 2 personal items. Extra checked bags cost around $20 each.
Q6. Is there food available on Amtrak trains to Chicago?
Yes. Café cars sell snacks and hot food; sleeper passengers get free sit-down dining car meals.
Q7. Does Amtrak offer Wi-Fi on trains to Chicago?
Yes, free Wi-Fi on most trains, though speeds can be slow in rural areas – download entertainment offline beforehand.
Q8. Can I get a refund if I cancel my Chicago train ticket?
Depends on fare type: Saver = credit only, Value = partial refund, Flexible = full refund.
Q9. Are there sleeper trains to Chicago?
Yes! Roomettes and Bedrooms are available on long-distance routes, with all meals included.
Q10. What is the cheapest train route to Chicago?
Regional routes are cheapest – Milwaukee (~$10) or St. Louis (~$18). Long-distance NYC Saver fares start at ~$49. Book early, travel mid-week for best prices.