East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sat, 15 Nov
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Great Western Rail
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West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 17 Nov

Cheapest price

£31

Average price

£31

Fastest journey

3 h 51 m

Average duration

3 h 51 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

278 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from East Lansing, MI 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 East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave East Lansing, MI 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 278 km distance in an average of 3 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 51 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.

Amtrak365 Blue Water
08:543h51
East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
11:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£311One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. 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 £25, and a flight costs an average of £60.

Distance: 278 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£52

Average Price

Cheapest

£53

Average Price

£197

Average Price

4h 22m

Average total duration

3h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 41m

Average total duration

5h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 27m

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

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Spirit 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

East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL trains for today, Sunday 16 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 07:21
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak365 Blue Water13:54 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
3h51
17:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare coach, flight and train 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.

Sun
16 Nov
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Journey information

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

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Icon of train

Trains from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 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 51m.

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 52m
Cheapest ticket price
£25
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 51m
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 East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between East Lansing, MI and Chicago, IL from £25. 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 51m
Cheapest Price
£25
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: East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from East Lansing, MI 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
The cost of a train ticket from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £52.
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.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
The cheapest way to get from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL is by train, costing approximately £25.
The train distance from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL is 278 km.
The last train from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL departs at 21:30.
Booking trains from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 278 km and takes approximately 3h 51m. Trains run 2 per day.
There is no night train service from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL.
The train station in East Lansing, MI that goes to Chicago, IL is East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The first train from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:45.
Trains from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL.
To get from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including coach, flight and train.

popular train stations

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

East Lansing
Chicago
The major train station for departures in East Lansing is East Lansing Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at East Lansing Station for your trip from East Lansing to Chicago.
East Lansing StationWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for short-term and long-term parking.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • Free for passengers
Hotel
Hotel
  • SpringHill Suites East Lansing University Area
  • Marriott East Lansing at University Place
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station includes a waiting room and ticketing area, with access to the platform for Amtrak services.
Public transport options for East Lansing Station
  • Bus: CATA Bus Service available
  • Taxi services are also accessible.

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

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