Boston, MA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

1,000+ travel companies

Scan to get our free app

Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.

App Store

4.9

42K ratings

Google Play

4.6

136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Jul 09

Cheapest price

$275

Average price

$275

Fastest journey

22 h 22 m

Average duration

22 h 22 m

Trains per day

Distance

1368 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL will cost around $275 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $275.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.

3449 AMTRAK · 49 Lake Shore Limited

12:50PM22h22

South Station, Boston, MA

10:12AMUnion Station, Chicago, IL

$2751One-way

1 transfer

3449 AMTRAK · 449 Lake Shore Limited

12:50PM22h22

South Station, Boston, MA

10:12AMUnion Station, Chicago, IL

$2751One-way

1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €82. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €82, and a train costs an average of €126.

Distance: 849 miles (1367 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Flight	Bus
€238 Average price	€163 Average price	€159 Average price Cheapest
22h 33m Average total duration 22h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	6h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*	25h 29m Average total duration 24h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
0.4 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	4.1 - 8.2kg CO2 emissions	1.4 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular airline	Most popular bus company
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Boston, MA to Chicago, IL train times

Showing trains for today, Tuesday, July 8

Last updated at 1:02 AM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
3449 AMTRAK · 49 Lake Shore Limited	4:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA	22h22	3:12 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL	1 transfer
3449 AMTRAK · 449 Lake Shore Limited	4:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA	22h22	3:12 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL	1 transfer
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Boston, MA to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight

Wed
Jul 09

Thu
Jul 10

Fri
Jul 11

Sat
Jul 12

Sun
Jul 13

Mon
Jul 14

Tue
Jul 15

Wed
Jul 16

Thu
Jul 17

Fri
Jul 18

Sat
Jul 19

Sun
Jul 20

Mon
Jul 21

Tue
Jul 22

Wed
Jul 23

Thu
Jul 24

Fri
Jul 25

Sat
Jul 26

Sun
Jul 27

Mon
Jul 28

Tue
Jul 29

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL?

The best time to book your train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Boston, MA to Chicago, IL route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL.

Trains

from $161

Buses

from $114

Flights

from $185

Journey information

Overview: Train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

USA

Trains from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 22h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $157 (€126) but you can travel from only $55 (€44) by flight.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Flight from $55 (€44)

Distance

849 miles (1367 km)

Average train duration

22h 3m

Cheapest ticket price

$157 (€126)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

22h 22m

First train

07:30

Last train

21:30

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Flight from $55 (€44)

Train providers: Amtrak from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL trains

Travel from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL from $128 (€102) with Omio’s train partners Amtrak! You can find the best schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the most affordable route for you.

Amtrak is the main train company in the United States operating medium and long-distance intercity services in 46 US states as well as in 3 Canadian provinces. There are over 300 Amtrak trains running daily. With Amtrak you can travel by train across the country and explore destinations near and far with routes such as the Northeast Regional connecting cities in the East Coast, the Coast Starlight connecting destinations up and down the West Coast, the Empire Builder connecting Chicago and Midwestern cities to the Northwest, and many more.

Amtrak from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL train information:

Average Duration: 22 h 15 min
Cheapest Price: $128
Amtrak frequency: 1 a day

Traveling by train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

Traveling between Boston, MA and Chicago, IL is a scenic journey made convenient by Amtrak. This rail service offers comfortable accommodations and stunning views as you traverse the diverse landscapes of the Northeast to the Midwest. With multiple daily departures, passengers can enjoy an efficient travel experience while relaxing in spacious seating or dining on board. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, Amtrak connects these two cities seamlessly.

Train Connection: Boston to Chicago

Traveling from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL takes approximately 22 hours and 15 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available each day. Passengers can depart from either Back Bay Station or South Station in Boston and arrive at Union Station in Chicago.

Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

The first daily train journey departs from Boston at 4:50 PM and arrives in Chicago at 5:50 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for starting their adventure between these two cities.

Train Tickets Price for Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Boston to Chicago is $102 (92€). The average ticket price tends to be around $198 (178.2€), making it a more economical option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.

Exploring Chicago's Iconic Landmarks

Welcome to the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, which was completed in 1973 and held the title of the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years. This iconic skyscraper is significant not only for its height but also for its innovative design that has influenced modern architecture worldwide. One of its unique features is The Skydeck on the 103rd floor, where you can step out onto a glass ledge and experience breathtaking views of Chicago from over a thousand feet above ground.

Next up is Millennium Park, inaugurated in 2004 as part of an urban revitalization project aimed at enhancing public spaces within downtown Chicago. Its significance lies in how it brings together art, music, and nature while serving as a cultural hub that attracts millions each year. Be sure to check out Cloud Gate—affectionately known as "The Bean"—a stunning stainless steel sculpture that reflects both visitors and city life around it.

Finally, we arrive at Navy Pier—a historic landmark opened in 1916 originally designed as a shipping facility but now transformed into one of Chicago's top tourist destinations. Its significance comes from being home to various attractions like theaters, restaurants, shops, and even fireworks displays during summer nights along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Unique features include rides such as The Centennial Wheel offering panoramic views over Lake Michigan or taking leisurely boat cruises right from this vibrant pier!

FAQs: Trains from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

FAQs: Travel by train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL.

Cheap train tickets from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $127 (€102) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Boston, MA to Chicago, IL is $224 (€179); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

The train time between Boston, MA and Chicago, IL is on average 22 h 22 min for the 848 mile (1367 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL leaves at 12: 50 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL leaves at 9: 30 PM.

Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

For the best Boston, MA to Chicago, IL train to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with Amtrak. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services to Chicago, IL from Boston, MA to compare what amenities they may offer.

No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 9: 30 PM.

The cheapest month to travel from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL by train is January.

You have options as you can travel from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL 3 different ways: train, bus or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

Boston

Chicago

The major train station for departures in Boston is South Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at South Station for your trip from Boston to Chicago.

South Station Wifi