The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS
Cheapest price
$238
Average price
$465
Fastest journey
9 h 15 m
Average duration
12 h 10 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
717 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS 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 Lawrence, KS will cost around $465 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $238.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Lawrence, KS on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 717 km distance in an average of 12 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 15 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 15 h 5 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.
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief7:40 AM15h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:45 PMLawrence Station, Lawrence, KS$2381One-way1 transfer
3 Southwest Chief1:30 PM9h15Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:45 PMLawrence Station, Lawrence, KS$6921One-way0 transfers
3 Southwest Chief1:30 PM9h15Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:45 PMLawrence Station, Lawrence, KS$6921One-way0 transfers
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief7:40 AM15h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:45 PMLawrence Station, Lawrence, KS$2381One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $78, and a flight costs an average of $159.
Distance: 445 miles (717 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$122 Average price Cheapest | $328 Average price | $130 Average price | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 23m Average total duration 9h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 14m Average total duration 18h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS:
A train is $8 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS costing on average $130 (€106).
A train is $206 (€169) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS costing on average $328 (€268).
Other travel options to Lawrence, KS take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 53m.
Bus takes on average 18h 44m.
Tickets start at around $122 (€100) compared to roughly $22 (€18) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-99.47 (€-81.41). The journey takes 9h 53m versus 7h 58m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:25 PM Chicago, IL | 9h00 | 5:25 AM Lawrence, KS | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief | 7:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 15h05 | 10:45 PM Lawrence Station, Lawrence, KS | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief | 1:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 9h15 | 10:45 PM Lawrence Station, Lawrence, KS | 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 Lawrence, KS by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS
Trains from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $78 (€64) but you can travel from only $74 (€61) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 445 miles (717 km) distance in 9h 0m.
Distance 445 miles (717 km) |
Average train duration 9h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€64) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 0m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 11:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Lawrence, KS from $74 (€61). 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 Lawrence, KS
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS 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 Lawrence, KS, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS
- 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
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Lawrence, KS
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