The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$105
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
9 h 2 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
278 km
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 $105 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for East Lansing, MI on Wed, Feb 25, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Feb 25 the direct trains cover the 278 km distance in an average of 9 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Wed, Feb 25 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.
364 Blue Water
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
364 Blue Water
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAKTravel 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 bus with prices starting from $50. 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 bus costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $55.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $75 Average price Cheapest | $324 Average price |
4h 28m Average total duration 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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 today, Tuesday, February 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
364 Blue Water | 10:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 3h55 | 1:55 AM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 0 transfersDirect | ||
| Wednesday, February 25 | ||||||
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK | 3:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 11h35 | 3:05 PM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 1 transfer | ||
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK | 3:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 11h35 | 3:05 PM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 1 transfer | ||
![]() | 3:30 AM Chicago, IL | 11h35 | 3:05 PM East Lansing, MI | 0 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI
Trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€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.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average train duration 3h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€26) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 06:45 |
Last train 21:30 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and East Lansing, MI from $33 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for short-term and long-term parking.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- Free for passengers
- SpringHill Suites East Lansing University Area
- Marriott East Lansing at University Place
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station includes a waiting room and ticketing area, with access to the platform for Amtrak services.
- Bus: CATA Bus Service available
- Taxi services are also accessible.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI
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