Bedroom
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£36
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£89
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
4 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
9 h 5 m
Trains on 17 Sept
3
Distance
278 km
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 £89 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 3 trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 278 km distance in an average of 9 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
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
48 · 6049
448 · 6049
364
48 · 6049
448 · 6049Omio 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 an average ticket price of £39 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 25m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £39, while a flight costs an average of £146.
Distance: 278 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£39 Average Price Cheapest | £45 Average Price | £146 Average Price | £44 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 28m Average total duration 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI:
A train is £6 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI costing on average £45.
A train is £107 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI costing on average £146.
Other travel options to East Lansing, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 58m.
Coach takes on average 5h 12m.
Tickets start at around £39 compared to roughly £44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £5. The journey takes 3h 58m versus 3h 14m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trains for today, Wednesday 16 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
448 · 6049 | 21:30 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 11h35 | 10:05 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 1 change | |
48 · 6049 | 21:30 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 11h35 | 10:05 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 1 change | |
| Thursday 17 September | |||||
364 | 16:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h05 | 21:05 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Compare Amtrak classes and the amenities included in each one.
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.
University art museum with rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical works, easy to visit while exploring campus.
Natural history museum featuring Michigan wildlife, fossils and cultural displays, well suited to families and curious visitors.
Public observatory with astronomy exhibits and telescope viewing nights, offering a science-focused museum experience on campus.
Large botanical garden and arboretum with themed gardens, woodland walks and seasonal displays across the university campus.
Riverside park and trail area popular for walks, views and access to one of the most scenic green spaces in the city.
Lively district beside campus with shops, nightlife and pedestrian-friendly streets, useful for feeling the city’s student energy.
A Michigan staple: tart dried cherries feature in pies, sauces and salads, reflecting the state’s major cherry-growing tradition.
Detroit-style pizza is a regional favourite across Michigan, with a thick airy crust, caramelised cheese edges and stripes of tomato sauce.
A Coney dog is a beef frank in a bun topped with chilli sauce, mustard and onions, a classic Michigan comfort food.
Refined yet approachable venue for steaks, seafood and American classics, popular for a more formal meal in East Lansing.
Popular casual spot known for inventive burgers, beer and a lively student-friendly atmosphere in central East Lansing.
Established restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean dishes in a polished yet relaxed setting near downtown East Lansing.
Moderate for a US college town: dining is reasonable, but hotels during university events can rise; most visitors rely on cars or paid rides.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or about $1 per drink in cafés if table service is provided.
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.

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.
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.
East Lansing Station is 2 km from East Lansing city centre. Public transport options include:
East Lansing Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at East Lansing Station.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at East Lansing Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at East Lansing Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at East Lansing Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at East Lansing Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at East Lansing Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include SpringHill Suites East Lansing University Area, Marriott East Lansing at University Place.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need