Train Chicago, IL - Boston, MA prices from $108.45

Travel from Chicago, IL, to Boston, MA, by train

The train ride from Chicago, IL, to Boston, MA, lasts on average 21 hr 57 min. Around 2 trains depart a day between Chicago and Boston, the average price is $181.88 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $108.45.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S., operates the train from Boston to Chicago. Amtrak Lakeshore Limited directly connects the two cities. Another option would be to change trains in Washington and Philadelphia and add about three hours to your journey.

Lakeshore Limited is the train route between Chicago and Boston. It passes through Cleveland, and South Bend, along some of the most stunning shorelines of the USA. The name refers to the route following the Mohawk River, the Erie Canal, and the south shore of Lake Michigan. The scenery along the famous Native American Highway, as it is also called, is truly spectacular. It stops in 22 cities, and its esteemed journey time is about 22 hours. It leaves Chicago once a day, every day. It is a Viewliner train which means it has sleeper cars and a café on board:

Amtrak offers three sleeping options on Lakeshore Limited.

1. The Roomette is, at first glance, a tiny room, but it is very well-used. Different innovative storage options will surprise you at every step. They start with two comfortable recliner seats, which turn into a bed, and a second bunk bed that you pull from the ceiling, making enough space for two people to sleep and have a great view. The older Viewliner cars have a toilet and a sink in the room (one of the surprises under the steps to the upper bunk), which can be tricky if there are two people. The newer cars have toilets and bathrooms in the hallway.
2. The Bedroom is twice as big, with a big comfy queen bed and a bathroom in the room (separated by a door). It has all the amenities of the Roomette with more space and a higher price. 
3. The Two-Room Suite on a train offers twice the space of a regular Bedroom accommodation. During the day, the suite features two sofas and separate chairs for seating; at night, these furnishings convert into upper and lower beds, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements. It includes two in-room sinks, restrooms, and showers.

If you opt for the sleeping car, remember to book the entire unit, alone or with someone. Also, the coach has comfortable reclining seats, perfect for getting some shut-eye, so give it a chance.

The Café car is available for all passengers during the day, while the Sleepers Lounge is open only for sleeping passengers. Both offer meals, snacks, and beverages, and the sleepers have all three meals included in the ticket price.

Chicago Union Station is a bustling one of the biggest U.S. transportation hubs, ranking as the third busiest train station in the United States. It is a gateway to 15 Amtrak train lines, connecting travelers to nationwide destinations. Union Station also provides access to bus carriers such as Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Jefferson Lines and connections to Metra commuter lines. Conveniently located in downtown Chicago and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is within walking distance to the nearest Chicago L lines. It offers numerous amenities and services, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

In Boston, you can exit at these two stations:

1.  Back Bay Station is at the corner of Stuart Street and Dartmouth Street, in a gorgeous renaissance building in the historical center of Boston. It is an excellent place to end your journey if you are interested in sightseeing or checking out a baseball game at Fenway park, just around the corner.
2. However, South Station is perfect if you need to reach Logan Airport. The station is part of Boston's subway system and numerous bus services, including MBTA Commuter Rail, Amtrak, Greyhound Bus Lines, MBTA Subway, and LINK buses. It is located near Chinatown and within walking distance of Beacon Hill and downtown Boston. 

Boston, one of the most historic cities in the U.S., has many things to see and do. You cannot throw a stone without hitting on something historical, but if you are there for a short visit, take the Freedom Trail, a walk to all the landmarks of the American Revolution.

So if you plan to travel by train from Boston to Chicago, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Boston and Chicago.