East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Wed 08 Jul
+ 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
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The cheapest and fastest trains from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 08 Jul

Cheapest price

£65

Average price

£65

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 £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £65.

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
    8:543h51
    East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
    11:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £651One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight 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 £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

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£42

Average Price

Cheapest

£49

Average Price

£269

Average Price

4h 22m

Average total duration

3h 52m

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

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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 tomorrow, Wednesday 8 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak365 Blue Water8:54 East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI
3h51
11:45 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, 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.

Wed
08 Jul
Thu
09 Jul
Fri
10 Jul
Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
Tue
14 Jul

Journey information

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

USAUSA
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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 £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 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
£23
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 51m
First train
6:45
Last train
21:30
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
1 day
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 £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 51m
Cheapest Price
£23
Amtrak frequency
2 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

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 £23, while the average price tends to be around £42.
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.
The train distance from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL is 278 km.
The first train from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:45.
The last train from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL departs at 21:30.
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, there is a direct train between East Lansing, MI and Chicago, IL. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
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 cheapest way to get from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL is by train, costing approximately £23.
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 offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, though it is not typically considered among the most scenic routes. Passengers may enjoy glimpses of countryside and small towns en route, along with views of the Great Lakes region as they approach Chicago.
A day trip from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 51m each way. Train services operate twice per day.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

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

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.

Departure train stations in East Lansing
Arrival train stations in Chicago

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

Trains from East Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL leave from East Lansing Station. The station is 2 km from East Lansing, MI city centre at 1240 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA.
East Lansing Station1240 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA+1 517-333-2470WifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to East Lansing Station from East Lansing city centre

East Lansing Station is 2 km from East Lansing city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus20, 18 · 8m · £2 · every ~4 min
20, 18 · 9m · £2 · every ~3 min
1483 · 10m · £12

East Lansing Station train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at East Lansing Station.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free.

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

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

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at East Lansing Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at East Lansing Station: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include SpringHill Suites East Lansing University Area, Marriott East Lansing at University Place.

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

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

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

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