South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Wed, May 13
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for May 13

Cheapest price

$335

Average price

$561

Fastest journey

22 h 22 m

Average duration

1 d 42 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

1367 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, 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 Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL will cost around $561 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $335.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave South Station, Boston, MA for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL on Wed, May 13, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, May 13 the direct trains cover the 1367 km distance in an average of 1 d 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 22 h 22 m .

On Wed, May 13 the slowest trains will take 1 d 3 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.

  • Amtrak449 Lake Shore Limited
    12:50 PM22h22
    South Station, Boston, MA
    10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    $3351One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited
    12:50 PM22h22
    South Station, Boston, MA
    10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    $3821One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
    6:10 AM27h35
    South Station, Boston, MA
    8:45 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    $6511One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak40 Floridian+Amtrak2155 NextGen Acela
    7:15 AM26h30
    South Station, Boston, MA
    8:45 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    $8751One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $77. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $77, and a train costs an average of $159.

Distance: 849 miles (1367 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus
Driving

$435

Average price

$197

Average price

$176

Average price

Cheapest

$299

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

22h 41m

Average total duration

22h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 59m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

23h 46m

Average total duration

23h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

14h 34m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Amtrak

Most popular train company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of $176 (€141).

This is compared to other travel options from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL:

A bus is $21 (€17) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL costing on average $197 (€158).

A bus is $259 (€207) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL costing on average $435 (€348).

The fastest way to travel from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 59m.

Other travel options to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL take longer:

Train takes on average 22h 11m.

Bus takes on average 23h 16m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between South Station, Boston, MA and Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $435 (€348) compared to roughly $299 (€240) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-135.19 (€-108.21). The journey takes 22h 11m versus 14h 34m 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

South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday, May 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak4:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA
22h22
3:12 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
Amtrak5:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA
22h22
4:12 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, May 13
Amtrak95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian6:10 AM South Station, Boston, MA
27h35
8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer
Amtrak2155 NextGen Acela+Amtrak40 Floridian7:15 AM South Station, Boston, MA
26h30
8:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 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.

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Journey information

Overview: Train from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 22h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $159 (€127) but you can travel from only $71 (€57) by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 10:10, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 849 miles (1367 km) distance in 22h 22m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $71 (€57)
Distance
849 miles (1367 km)
Average train duration
22h 11m
Cheapest ticket price
$159 (€127)
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
22h 22m
First train
10:10 AM
Last train
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $71 (€57)

Train companies: Amtrak from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between South Station, Boston, MA and Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL from $71 (€57). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
22h 22m
Cheapest Price
$159 (€127)
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, 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 Union Station, Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $159 (€127), while the average price is around $435 (€348).
The train from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL takes 22h 22m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL leaves at 10:10 AM.
The distance by train from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL is 849 miles (1367 km).
The last train from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL leaves at 11:45 PM.
There is no high speed train available from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL is by flight, with a cost of around $71 (€57).
The train journey from South Station, MA to Chicago Union Station, IL offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of historic cities, lush landscapes, and the scenic Hudson River Valley, particularly during daylight hours.
A day trip from South Station, MA to Chicago Union Station, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 22h 22m. The distance is 849 miles (1367 km), and there are 2 trains per day.
Yes, you can take the train from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
Since neither South Station, Boston, MA nor Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL include Milwaukee, WI, Joliet, IL, Sturtevant, WI, Racine, WI, New Buffalo, MI.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from South Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

Boston
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Boston is South Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at South Station for your trip from Boston to Chicago.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
13
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via Atlantic Avenue.
Dining
Dining
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Tavern in the Square
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • InterContinental Boston
  • The Langham, Boston
  • Boston Harbor Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: platforms 6-13 for MBTA Commuter Rail services
  • Bus terminal located on the upper level.
Public transit options for South Station
  • Subway: Red Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Commuter Rail: Multiple lines

Most popular trains to and from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL and South Station, Boston, MA

HomeTrainsTrains in USASouth Station, Boston, MA to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL train

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