The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI
Cheapest price
€42
Average price
€76
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
7 h 45 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI 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 East Lansing, MI will cost around €76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €42.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for East Lansing, MI on Thu, Nov 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 278 km distance in an average of 7 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Thu, Nov 20 the slowest trains will take 11 h 35 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.
364 Blue Water
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
364 Blue Water
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAKTravel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. 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 €26, and a flight costs an average of €40.
Distance: 278 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€48 Average price Cheapest | €49 Average price | €196 Average price |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m 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.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trains for today, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
364 Blue Water | 10:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 3h55 | 1:55 AM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 20 | |||||
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK | 3:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 11h35 | 3:05 PM East Lansing Station, East Lansing, MI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, 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.
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
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Nov 25
Nov 26
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI
Trains from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €26 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 55m.
Distance 278 km |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €26 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 06:45 |
Last train 21:30 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and East Lansing, MI from €26. 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 East Lansing, MI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI 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 East Lansing, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for short-term and long-term parking.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- Free for passengers
- SpringHill Suites East Lansing University Area
- Marriott East Lansing at University Place
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station includes a waiting room and ticketing area, with access to the platform for Amtrak services.
- Bus: CATA Bus Service available
- Taxi services are also accessible.
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to East Lansing, MI
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