Boston, MA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri 21 Nov
+ Add return
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 21 Nov

Cheapest price

£790

Average price

£790

Fastest journey

22 h 22 m

Average duration

22 h 22 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

1368 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL will cost around £790 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £790.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Boston, MA for Chicago, IL every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 1368 km distance in an average of 22 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 22 h 22 m .

The slowest trains will take 22 h 22 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.

Amtrak
16:5022h22
Boston, MA
15:12Chicago, IL
£7901One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £70. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £70, and a train costs an average of £96.

Distance: 1368 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£258

Average Price

£144

Average Price

£139

Average Price

Cheapest

22h 35m

Average total duration

22h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 19m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

25h 29m

Average total duration

24h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.4 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

4.1 - 8.2kg

CO2 emissions

1.4 - 3.4kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Boston, MA to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Boston, MA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 13:03
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak3449 AMTRAK · 49 Lake Shore Limited17:50 South Station, Boston, MA
22h22
16:12 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Boston, MA to Chicago, IL by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Fri
21 Nov
Sat
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL?

The best time to book your train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Boston, MA to Chicago, IL route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 22h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £96 but you can travel from only £37 by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 1368 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 £37
Distance
1368 km
Average train duration
22h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£96
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
22h 22m
First train
06:10
Last train
21:30
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 £37

Train companies: Amtrak from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Boston, MA and Chicago, IL from £37. 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
£96
Amtrak frequency
1 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: Boston, MA to Chicago, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Boston, MA 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.

FAQs
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry for interactive exhibits on science and technology or discover the vibrant neighbourhoods of Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, renowned for their unique shops and eateries. Take a river cruise to admire the city's iconic architecture, or enjoy a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Spend a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the U.S. and free to enter. For sightseeing, visit Millennium Park with its modern art installations, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Skydeck for panoramic city views, or the Field Museum to see the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
The cost of a train ticket from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £96, while the average price tends to be around £258.
Booking trains from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cheapest way to get from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL is by flight, costing approximately £37.
The train journey from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 1368 km and takes approximately 22h 22m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL is 1368 km.
The train station in Boston, MA that goes to Chicago, IL is South Station, Boston, MA, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The first train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:10.
Trains from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL.
The last train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL departs at 21:30.
Yes, you can take the train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train between Boston, MA and Chicago, IL. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Boston, MA and 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 transport options for South Station
  • Subway: Red Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Commuter Rail: Multiple lines
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
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
5
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available nearby with several garages in the vicinity.
Dining
Dining
  • Sorellina
  • Atlantic Fish Company
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Copley Square Hotel
  • The Westin Copley Place
  • Fairmont Copley Plaza
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for Amtrak and MBTA Commuter Rail
  • Hall 2: Orange Line subway platforms
Public transport options for Back Bay Station
  • Subway: Orange Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Commuter Rail: Framingham/Worcester Line, Franklin Line, Needham Line, Providence/Stoughton Line

More options for your journey from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Boston, MA

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