The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA
Cheapest price
$796
Average price
$1432
Fastest journey
21 h 54 m
Average duration
1 d 40 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
1368 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA will cost around $1432 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $796.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA without transferring at least once.
41 Floridian+
2172 NextGen Acela6:40 PM27h27Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:07 PMSouth Station, Boston, MA$7961One-way1 transfer
41 Floridian+
2172 NextGen Acela6:40 PM27h16Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:56 PMBack Bay station, Boston, MA$7961One-way1 transfer
48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited9:30 PM22h02Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL8:32 PMSouth Station, Boston, MA$20681One-way1 transfer
48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited9:30 PM21h54Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL8:24 PMBack Bay station, Boston, MA$20681One-way1 transfer
48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited9:30 PM21h54Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL8:24 PMBack Bay station, Boston, MA$20681One-way1 transfer
48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited9:30 PM22h02Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL8:32 PMSouth Station, Boston, MA$20681One-way1 transfer
41 Floridian+
2172 NextGen Acela6:40 PM27h16Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL10:56 PMBack Bay station, Boston, MA$7961One-way1 transfer
41 Floridian+
2172 NextGen Acela6:40 PM27h27Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:07 PMSouth Station, Boston, MA$7961One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Boston, MA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $49, and a train costs an average of $91.
Distance: 850 miles (1368 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$316 Average price | $169 Average price Cheapest | $203 Average price |
22h 32m Average total duration 22h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 40m Average total duration 25h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.1 - 8.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Boston, MA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Boston, MA trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
41 Floridian+ 2172 NextGen Acela | 11:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 27h27 | 3:07 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
41 Floridian+ 2172 NextGen Acela | 11:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 27h16 | 2:56 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, April 2 | |||||
48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited | 2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 22h02 | 12:32 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited | 2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 21h54 | 12:24 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
448 Lake Shore Limited | 2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 21h54 | 12:24 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
448 Lake Shore Limited | 2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 22h02 | 12:32 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Boston, MA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 22h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $91 (€74) but you can travel from only $49 (€40) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 850 miles (1368 km) distance in 21h 54m.
Distance 850 miles (1368 km) |
Average train duration 22h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $91 (€74) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 21h 54m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Boston, MA from $49 (€40). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Atlantic Avenue.
- Legal Sea Foods
- Tavern in the Square
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, restrooms.
- $0.50
- InterContinental Boston
- The Langham, Boston
- Boston Harbor Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for Amtrak services
- Hall 2: platforms 6-13 for MBTA Commuter Rail services
- Bus terminal located on the upper level.
- Subway: Red Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Commuter Rail: Multiple lines
- 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with several garages in the vicinity.
- Sorellina
- Atlantic Fish Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $0.50
- Copley Square Hotel
- The Westin Copley Place
- Fairmont Copley Plaza
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for Amtrak and MBTA Commuter Rail
- Hall 2: Orange Line subway platforms
- Subway: Orange Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Commuter Rail: Framingham/Worcester Line, Franklin Line, Needham Line, Providence/Stoughton Line
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA
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