Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI train with Amtrak

Mon 03 Aug
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

Showing times and prices for 03 Aug

Cheapest price

£126

Average price

£126

Fastest journey

11 h 35 m

Average duration

11 h 35 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

278 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI will cost around £126 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £126.

Fast trains

To travel from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI you need to make at least one change.

  • Amtrak448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
    21:3011h35
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    10:05East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
    £1261One-way
    1 change
  • Amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
    21:3011h35
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    10:05East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
    £1261One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £23, and a flight costs an average of £67.

Distance: 278 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£45

Average Price

Cheapest

£51

Average Price

£262

Average Price

4h 28m

Average total duration

3h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 44m

Average total duration

5h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 25m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 1.7kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Republic Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trains for today, Sunday 2 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak364 Blue Water16:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
4h05
21:05 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI0 changesdirect
Amtrak448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK21:30 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
11h35
10:05 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI1 change
Amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK21:30 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
11h35
10:05 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, 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.

Mon
03 Aug
Tue
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI 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 Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:45, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 278 km distance in 3h 55m.

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
Distance
278 km
Average train duration
3h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
£23
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 55m
First train
6:45
Last train
21:30
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
35 days
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

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and East Lansing, MI from £23. 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
3h 55m
Cheapest Price
£23
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

Complete guide to East Lansing, MI

Things to do in East Lansing, MI

Discover the best of East Lansing, MI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect East Lansing, MI trip today.

  • Must visit

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

University art museum with rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical works, easy to visit while exploring campus.

  • Recommended

Michigan State University Museum

Natural history museum featuring Michigan wildlife, fossils and cultural displays, well suited to families and curious visitors.

  • Recommended

Abrams Planetarium

Public observatory with astronomy exhibits and telescope viewing nights, offering a science-focused museum experience on campus.

US dollar ($)

Moderate for a US college town: dining is reasonable, but hotels during university events can rise; most visitors rely on cars or paid rides.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-15 for fast food or casual lunch.
Mid-range
$18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$40+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
$3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Tip 15-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or about $1 per drink in cafés if table service is provided.

FAQs: Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to 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, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £45.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI covers a distance of 278 km and takes approximately 3h 55m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI is 278 km.
The first train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI leaves at 6:45.
The last train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI departs at 21:30.
Trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and East Lansing, MI. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to East Lansing, MI is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, and it arrives at East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI is by train, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Chicago skyline, suburban towns, and stretches of Michigan's countryside, making it moderately scenic.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 55m one way. Trains operate 3 times per day. The distance is 278 km.
A stay of two to three days in East Lansing, MI, is typically sufficient to explore the Michigan State University campus, visit local museums and parks, and enjoy dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and East Lansing, MI

Most Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trains use the Union Station to East Lansing Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and East Lansing, MI train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Chicago
Arrival train stations in East Lansing

Which Chicago, IL station do trains to East Lansing, MI leave from?

Trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI leave from Union Station. The station is 3 km from Chicago, IL city centre at 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA.
Union Station225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre

Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus28, 151 · 7m · £3 · every ~13 min

Union Station train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

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

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to East Lansing, MI Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone