The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$130
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
9 h 2 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
275 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI will cost around $130 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL for East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI on Sat, May 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 09 the direct trains cover the 275 km distance in an average of 9 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Sat, May 09 the slowest trains will take 11 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.
364 Blue Water4:00 PM3h55Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL8:55 PMEast Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI$491One-way0 transfers
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK9:30 PM11h35Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:05 AMEast Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI$1701One-way1 transfer
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK9:30 PM11h35Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:05 AMEast Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI$1701One-way1 transfer
364 Blue Water4:00 PM3h55Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL8:55 PMEast Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI$491One-way0 transfers
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK9:30 PM11h35Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:05 AMEast Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI$1701One-way1 transfer
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK9:30 PM11h35Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:05 AMEast Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI$1701One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $79.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price | $68 Average price Cheapest | $351 Average price | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI:
A bus is $2 (€1) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI costing on average $70 (€56).
A bus is $283 (€226) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI costing on average $351 (€280).
Other travel options to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 0m.
Bus takes on average 4h 51m.
Tickets start at around $70 (€56) compared to roughly $60 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-10.31 (€-8.23). The journey takes 4h 0m versus 3h 12m 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 Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI trains for today, Friday, May 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
364 Blue Water | 4:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 3h55 | 8:55 PM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK | 9:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 11h35 | 10:05 AM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 1 transfer | |
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK | 9:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 11h35 | 10:05 AM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI 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 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
Trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:30, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 170 miles (275 km) |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€26) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 2:30 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL and East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI from $33 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI 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 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for short-term and long-term parking.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- Free for passengers
- SpringHill Suites East Lansing University Area
- Marriott East Lansing at University Place
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station includes a waiting room and ticketing area, with access to the platform for Amtrak services.
- Bus: CATA Bus Service available
- Taxi services are also accessible.
