Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI train with Amtrak

Wed, Nov 26
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

Showing times and prices for Nov 26

Cheapest price

$104

Average price

$146

Fastest journey

3 h 55 m

Average duration

7 h 45 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

278 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI will cost around $146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for East Lansing, MI on Wed, Nov 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Nov 26 the direct trains cover the 278 km distance in an average of 7 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .

On Wed, Nov 26 the slowest trains will take 11 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak364 Blue Water
04:00PM3h55
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
08:55PMEast Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
$1041One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
09:30PM11h35
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
10:05AMEast Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
$1891One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €26, and a flight costs an average of €40.

Distance: 172 miles (278 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€48

Average price

Cheapest

€49

Average price

€196

Average price

4h 30m

Average total duration

4h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 8m

Average total duration

4h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 25m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 1.7kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Republic Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:59 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK3:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
11h35
3:05 PM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI1 transfer
amtrak364 Blue Water10:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
3h55
1:55 AM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02

Why should you book Chicago to East Lansing trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Chicago to East Lansing. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago to East Lansing.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago to East Lansing.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI 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 Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:45, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 3h 55m.

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
Distance
172 miles (278 km)
Average train duration
4h 0m
Cheapest ticket price
$32 (€26)
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 55m
First train
06:45
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

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and East Lansing, MI from $32 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Price
$33 (€27)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at East Lansing, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
To fully explore East Lansing, MI, 2 to 3 days are typically sufficient to enjoy its key attractions, including Michigan State University, local parks, and cultural sites.
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $32 (€26), while the average price is around $59 (€48).
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI is 172 miles (278 km).
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI is by train, with a cost of around $32 (€26).
A day trip from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI is not feasible as the travel duration is 3h 55m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit for a feasible day trip. Trains operate 3 times per day on this route.
The train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI takes 3h 55m and runs 3 per day.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, featuring views of the bustling Chicago skyline, the industrial landscapes of northern Indiana, and the serene countryside of southern Michigan.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to East Lansing, MI is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The first train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI leaves at 6:45 AM.
The last train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI leaves at 9:30 PM.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

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

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to East Lansing, MIChicago, IL to East Lansing, MI train

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