Boston, MA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Tue, Jul 08
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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

2

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.

Amtrak3449 AMTRAK · 49 Lake Shore Limited
12:50PM22h22
South Station, Boston, MA
10:12AMUnion Station, Chicago, IL
$2751One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak3449 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

Amtrak

Most popular train company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

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
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak3449 AMTRAK · 49 Lake Shore Limited4:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA
22h22
3:12 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer
amtrak3449 AMTRAK · 449 Lake Shore Limited4:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA
22h22
3:12 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL1 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

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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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train
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
4
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
22h 22m
First train
07:30
Last train
21:30
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)

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.
FAQs

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 StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
13
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via Atlantic Avenue.
Dining
Dining
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Tavern in the Square
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • InterContinental Boston
  • The Langham, Boston
  • Boston Harbor Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: platforms 6-13 for MBTA Commuter Rail services
  • Bus terminal located on the upper level.
Public transit options for South Station
  • Subway: Red Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Commuter Rail: Multiple lines
Back Bay StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
5
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available nearby with several garages in the vicinity.
Dining
Dining
  • Sorellina
  • Atlantic Fish Company
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Copley Square Hotel
  • The Westin Copley Place
  • Fairmont Copley Plaza
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for Amtrak and MBTA Commuter Rail
  • Hall 2: Orange Line subway platforms
Public transit options for Back Bay Station
  • Subway: Orange Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Commuter Rail: Framingham/Worcester Line, Franklin Line, Needham Line, Providence/Stoughton Line
The major train station for arrivals in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your journey to Chicago from Boston.
Union StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

Most popular trains to and from Chicago and Boston

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