- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$100
Average price
$123
Fastest journey
15 h 6 m
Average duration
15 h 6 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
717 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lawrence, KS 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 Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL will cost around $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.
Of the 2 trains that leave Lawrence, KS for Chicago, IL on Thu, Aug 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 717 km distance in an average of 15 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 15 h 6 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 15 h 6 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $80. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $80, and a flight costs an average of $60.
Distance: 445 miles (717 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$126 Average price Cheapest | $166 Average price | $403 Average price | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 56m Average total duration 10h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 53m Average total duration 12h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL:
A train is $40 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL costing on average $166.
A train is $277 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL costing on average $403.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 26m.
Bus takes on average 12h 23m.
Tickets start at around $126 compared to roughly $22 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-103.99. The journey takes 10h 26m versus 8h 4m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:54 AM Lawrence, KS | 15h06 | 1:00 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:54 AM Lawrence, KS | 15h06 | 2:00 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $80 but you can travel from only $60 by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 14:25. The fastest train covers the 445 miles (717 km) distance in 9h 48m.
Distance 445 miles (717 km) |
Average train duration 10h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 48m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 2:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL trains use the Lawrence Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Lawrence, KS and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lawrence Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Lawrence Station.
ATMs are available at Lawrence Station.
Available at Lawrence Station: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lawrence Station.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need