Chicago, IL to Boston, MA train with Amtrak

Wed, Apr 01
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA

Showing times and prices for Apr 02

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA without transferring at least once.

  • Amtrak41 Floridian+Amtrak2172 NextGen Acela
    6:40 PM27h27
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    11:07 PMSouth Station, Boston, MA
    $7961One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak41 Floridian+Amtrak2172 NextGen Acela
    6:40 PM27h16
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    10:56 PMBack Bay station, Boston, MA
    $7961One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited
    9:30 PM22h02
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    8:32 PMSouth Station, Boston, MA
    $20681One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited
    9:30 PM21h54
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    8:24 PMBack Bay station, Boston, MA
    $20681One-way
    1 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

Amtrak

Most popular train company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak41 Floridian+amtrak_acela2172 NextGen Acela11:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
27h27
3:07 AM South Station, Boston, MA1 transfer
amtrak41 Floridian+amtrak_acela2172 NextGen Acela11:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
27h16
2:56 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA1 transfer
Thursday, April 2
amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
22h02
12:32 AM South Station, Boston, MA1 transfer
amtrak48 Lake Shore Limited · 448 Lake Shore Limited2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
21h54
12:24 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA1 transfer
amtrak448 Lake Shore Limited2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
21h54
12:24 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 transfersDirect
amtrak448 Lake Shore Limited2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
22h02
12:32 AM South Station, Boston, MA0 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?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to Boston, MA route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA

USAUSA
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Icon of train

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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $49 (€40)
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
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $49 (€40)

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

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
21h 54m
Cheapest Price
$91 (€74)
Amtrak frequency
5 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: 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $91 (€74), while the average price is around $316 (€257).
The train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA takes 21h 54m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA leaves at 6:10 AM.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA is 850 miles (1368 km).
The last train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA leaves at 9:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Boston, MA is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to South Station, Boston, MA.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA is by flight, with a cost of around $49 (€40).
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA on the Lake Shore Limited offers some scenic views, particularly as it travels along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and through the Hudson River Valley in upstate New York. However, much of the route passes through urban areas and forests, which may limit expansive views compared to more mountainous or coastal train routes.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA is not feasible, as the journey takes 21h 54m and covers 850 miles (1368 km). Trains run 6 times per day.
Explore the historic streets of Beacon Hill and take a scenic walk along the Charles River Esplanade. Visit the Boston Public Library and enjoy a guided tour of the USS Constitution. Discover Quincy Market's vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Common, and the New England Aquarium.
To fully experience Boston, MA, plan for 3 to 4 days to explore its historic sites, museums, and neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA

Chicago
Boston
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Boston.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

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