Route snapshot
| Route | Chicago (CHI) to Cleveland (CLE) |
|---|---|
| Stations | Chicago Union Station to Cleveland Lakefront Station |
| Trains | Lake Shore Limited, Capitol Limited |
| Typical travel time | about 6h to 7h |
| How often | A few departures run each day, so it pays to pick your time early. |
Chicago to Cleveland train: what to expect
At about 6h to 7h, this is a comfortable day trip. Bring a charger and something to read, since outlets and Wi-Fi vary by train. A few departures run each day, so it pays to pick your time early.
Stations in Chicago and Cleveland
Trains on this route run between Chicago Union Station and Cleveland Lakefront Station. In Chicago the station is at 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL. Union Station is the hub for Amtrak routes fanning out across the Midwest and the whole country. In Cleveland the station is at 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH. Cleveland Lakefront Station sits by Lake Erie, near the Rock Hall and the Browns stadium.
How to book cheap Chicago to Cleveland train tickets
- Book early: Fares generally rise as the seats on a train sell, so booking a few weeks ahead is usually the cheapest approach.
- Stay flexible by a day: Moving your trip by a day, or choosing a midweek or off-peak departure, can lower the fare noticeably.
- Check discounts: Senior, student, child and other eligible fares may be available, so ask when you call.
- On this route: Both trains run overnight in one direction, so check the arrival hour before you book.
More train tickets from Chicago
- Chicago to St. Louis train tickets
- Washington DC to Chicago train tickets
- Chicago to Minneapolis-St. Paul train tickets
- Chicago to Detroit train tickets
- Chicago to Milwaukee train tickets
- Chicago to New Orleans train tickets
More ways to book
New to rail travel? Read our guide on how to book a train, learn how to find cheap train tickets, or browse all train tickets from Chicago and from Cleveland.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Chicago to Cleveland?
The trip takes about 6h to 7h on the Lake Shore Limited, Capitol Limited, depending on the departure you choose.
How much do Chicago to Cleveland train tickets cost?
Fares depend on the travel date, how far ahead you book, the seat class and how full the train is. The cheapest tickets are usually bought early for off-peak departures. Call (888) 885-6306 and our team will check the lowest available fare for your dates.
Which stations do Chicago to Cleveland trains use?
Trains run between Chicago Union Station (CHI) and Cleveland Lakefront Station (CLE). Always confirm the station on your ticket, since some cities have more than one.
Is there a direct train from Chicago to Cleveland?
Many departures on this route are direct, but schedules vary by day and season, and some trips may involve a connection. Check the departures for your travel date before booking.
How do I book a train from Chicago to Cleveland?
Enter your cities and date in the search box on this page, or call (888) 885-6306. Our team can find and confirm a fare for you.