Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI train with Amtrak

Thu 29 Jan
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Amtrak
Great Western Rail
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Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI

Showing times and prices for 29 Jan

Cheapest price

£26

Average price

£72

Fastest journey

3 h 55 m

Average duration

9 h 2 m

Trains per day

3

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 £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for East Lansing, MI 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 278 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 .

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.

Amtrak364 Blue Water
16:003h55
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
20:55East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
£261One-way
0 changes
Amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
21:3011h35
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
10:05East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
£911One-way
1 change
Amtrak448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
21:3011h35
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
10:05East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
£991One-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 £24. 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 £24, and a flight costs an average of £37.

Distance: 278 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£44

Average Price

Cheapest

£45

Average Price

£178

Average Price

4h 30m

Average total duration

4h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 8m

Average total duration

4h 38m

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, Wednesday 28 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:27
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak364 Blue Water22:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
3h55
01:55 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI0 changesdirect
Thursday 29 January
amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK03:30 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
11h35
15:05 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI1 change
amtrak448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK03:30 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
11h35
15:05 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.

Thu
29 Jan
Fri
30 Jan
Sat
31 Jan
Sun
01 Feb
Mon
02 Feb
Tue
03 Feb
Wed
04 Feb
Thu
05 Feb
Fri
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Sat
07 Feb
Sun
08 Feb
Mon
09 Feb
Tue
10 Feb
Wed
11 Feb

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 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 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
4h 0m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 55m
First train
06:45
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

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and East Lansing, MI from £24. 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
£24
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: 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 £24, while the average price tends to be around £44.
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 £24.
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

Chicago
East Lansing
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to East Lansing.
Union StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
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, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transport options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

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

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