- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$122
Average price
$122
Fastest journey
11 h 3 m
Average duration
11 h 3 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
528 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from South Shore, KY 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 South Shore, KY to Chicago, IL will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $122.
Of the 1 trains that leave South Shore, KY for Chicago, IL 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 528 km distance in an average of 11 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 3 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 11 h 3 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 South Shore, KY to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $69, and a flight costs an average of $372.
Distance: 328 miles (528 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$69 Average price Cheapest | $372 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 33m Average total duration 12h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from South Shore, KY to Chicago, IL:
A train is $303 (€248) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South Shore, KY to Chicago, IL costing on average $372 (€304).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 3m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare 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.
Trains from South Shore, KY to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 12h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $69 (€57) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 17:55, the last at 22:57. The fastest train covers the 328 miles (528 km) distance in 11h 48m.
Distance 328 miles (528 km) |
Average train duration 12h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€57) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 11h 48m |
First train 5:55 PM |
Last train 10:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from South Shore, KY 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 South Shore, KY to Chicago, IL trains use the South Shore Amtrak Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare South Shore, KY and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
South Shore Amtrak Station has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Shore Amtrak 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