The cheapest and fastest trains from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$363
Average price
$363
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 42 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 42 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1432 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portland, ME 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 Portland, ME to Chicago, IL will cost around $363 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $363.
Of the 1 trains that leave Portland, ME for Chicago, IL on Tue, Apr 14, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Apr 14 the direct trains cover the 1432 km distance in an average of 1 d 1 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 1 h 42 m .
On Tue, Apr 14 the slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 42 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.
2:30 PM25h42Portland, ME4:12 PMChicago, IL$3631One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM25h42Portland, ME4:12 PMChicago, IL$3631One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $288. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $288, and a flight costs an average of $505.
Distance: 889 miles (1432 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$469 Average price | $527 Average price | $307 Average price Cheapest |
24h 49m Average total duration 24h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 5m Average total duration 26h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Portland, ME to Chicago, IL 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.
Apr 14
Apr 15
Apr 16
Apr 17
Apr 18
Apr 19
Apr 20
Journey information
Overview: Train from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Trains from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 24h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $363 (€292) but you can travel from only $288 (€231) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:15, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 889 miles (1432 km) distance in 25h 42m.
Distance 889 miles (1432 km) |
Average train duration 24h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $363 (€292) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 25h 42m |
First train 3:15 AM |
Last train 6:00 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Portland, ME and Chicago, IL from $288 (€231). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, ME 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is $5.50 per day and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking for Downeaster passengers is available in the lot across the street from the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station serves as a hub for both Amtrak Downeaster trains and intercity buses, with facilities for ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Concord Coach Lines
- Local bus services available
- 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
More options for your journey from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
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