- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Cheapest price
£75
Average price
£75
Fastest journey
4 h 1 m
Average duration
4 h 1 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
278 km
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 £75 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £75.
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 4 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 1 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.
365 Blue Water
365 Blue WaterOmio 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 £23. 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 £23, and a flight costs an average of £75.
Distance: 278 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£45 Average Price Cheapest | £49 Average Price | £270 Average Price |
4h 23m Average total duration 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 47m Average total duration 5h 17m 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
365 Blue Water | 8:54 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 4h01 | 11:55 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 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 East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
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.
Distance 278 km |
Average train duration 3h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 51m |
First train 6:45 |
Last train 21:30 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Science museum in Jackson Park with hands-on exhibits, a U-505 submarine, and broad appeal for families and curious adults.
Natural history museum on the Museum Campus, known for dinosaur fossils, gem displays, and wide-ranging science exhibits.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and frequent events at the heart of central Chicago.
Bustling avenue for architecture, shopping, river views, and easy walking between landmark buildings and major attractions.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River with terraces, bridges, boat access, and excellent close-up architecture views.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago classic with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked in a deep pan.
Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers and celery salt.
Italian beef is thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in savoury juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant rooted in Midwestern ingredients, with polished service and a refined contemporary dining room.
Historic pizzeria known for classic Chicago deep-dish in a lively, casual setting near the Magnificent Mile.
Long-running counter-service spot famed for Italian beef sandwiches, dipped rolls and spicy giardiniera in a no-frills setting.
Expensive by US city standards: hotels, dining and attractions add up, though buses and the 'L' help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if table service is given.
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.

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