Travel from Amtrak Cleveland to Chicago is served by two long-distance trains: the Lake Shore Limited and the Floridian. Both run daily, and both depart Cleveland in the early hours of the morning, arriving in Chicago before noon. The Lake Shore Limited takes approximately 7 hours and 9 minutes, while the Floridian completes the journey in approximately 6 hours and 46 minutes. Coach fares start from around $28, with Sleeping accommodations available on both trains for passengers who want a private room and included meals.
Cleveland to Chicago Amtrak Train
Two separate Amtrak long-distance routes serve the Cleveland-Chicago corridor daily. The Lake Shore Limited travels along the Lake Erie shoreline through Ohio, Indiana, and into Chicago.
- Train Line: Floridian and Lake Shore Limited
- Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours and 8 hours 14 minutes (New Orleans to Birmingham)
- Distance: Approximately 346 miles (556 km)
- Frequency: Two to three daily departures in each direction
- Departure Station: Amtrak Cleveland Station, OH (CLE)
- Arrival Station: Amtrak Chicago Union Station, IL (CHI)
Amtrak Cleveland to Chicago Schedule
Both westbound trains depart Cleveland in the early morning hours, arriving in Chicago before noon. The Floridian departs approximately one hour earlier than the Lake Shore Limited and arrives slightly sooner.
| Amtrak Train | Operational Days | Departure and Arrival Timings | Duration | Coach Prices | Sleeping Cabin Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Floridian | Daily | 2:59 a.m and 8:45 a.m. | 6 hours 46 minutes | From $81 | From $538 |
| 449 Lake Shore Limited | Daily | 4:03 a.m. and 10:12 a.m. | 7 hours 9 minutes | From $67 | From $538 |
| 49 Lake Shore Limited | Daily | 4:03 a.m. and 10:12 a.m. | 7 hours 9 minutes | From $67 | From $538 |
| 1449 Lake Shore Limited | Daily | 3:45 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. | 6 hours 5 minutes | From $67 | From $538 |
Intermediate Stops- Floridian Train
| Station | Scheduled Time (ET/CT) |
|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH (CLE) | Departs 2:59 a.m. ET |
| Elyria, OH (ELY) | 3:29 a.m. ET |
| Sandusky, OH (SKY) | 4:02 a.m. ET |
| Toledo, OH (TOL) | 5:08 a.m.- 5:22 a.m. ET |
| Waterloo, IN (WTI) | 6:36 a.m. ET |
| Eikhart, IN (EKH) | 7:29 a.m. ET |
| South Bend, IN (SOB) | 7:51 a.m. ET |
| Chicago, IL (CHI) | Arrives 8:45 a.m. CT |
Intermediate Stops- Lake Shore Limited Train
| Station | Scheduled Time (ET/CT) |
|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH (CLE) | Departs 4:03 a.m. ET |
| Elyria, OH (ELY) | 4:36 a.m. ET |
| Sandusky, OH (SKY) | 5:13 a.m. ET |
| Toledo, OH (TOL) | 6:33 a.m. ET |
| Waterloo, IN (WTI) | 7:23 a.m. ET |
| Eikhart, IN (EKH) | 7:51 a.m. ET |
| South Bend, IN (SOB) | 8:43 a.m. ET |
| Chicago, IL (CHI) | Arrives a.m. CT |
Amtrak Chicago to Cleveland
| Amtrak Train | Operational Days | Departure and Arrival Timings | Duration | Coach Prices | Sleeping Cabin Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 Floridian | Daily | 6:40 p.m and 1:45 a.m. | 6 hours 5 minutes | From $81 | From $476 |
| 448 Lake Shore Limited | Daily | 9:30 p.m. and 5:38 a.m. | 7 hours 9 minutes | From $67 | From $538 |
| 48 Lake Shore Limited | Daily | 9:30 p.m. and 5:38 a.m. | 7 hours 9 minutes | From $67 | From $422 |
| 1448 Lake Shore Limited | Daily | 9:30 p.m. and 5:38 a.m. | 7 hours 9 minutes | From $67 | From $538 |
Intermediate Stops- Floridian Train
| Station | Scheduled Time (ET/CT) |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL (CHI) | Departs 6:40 p.m. CT |
| South Bend, IN (SOB) | 9:09 p.m. ET |
| Eikhart, IN (EKH) | 9:29 p.m. ET |
| Waterloo, IN (WTI) | 10:23 p.m. ET |
| Toledo, OH (TOL) | 11:49 p.m.- 12:40 a.m. ET |
| Sandusky, OH (SKY) | 1:15 a.m. ET |
| Elyria, OH (ELY) | 1:45 a.m. ET |
| Cleveland, OH (CLE) | Arrives 1:54 a.m. ET |
Intermediate Stops- Lake Shore Limited
| Station | Scheduled Time (ET/CT) |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL (CHI) | Departs 9:30 p.m. CT |
| South Bend, IN (SOB) | 12:27 a.m. ET |
| Eikhart, IN (EKH) | 1:20 a.m. ET |
| Waterloo, IN (WTI) | 1:45 a.m. ET |
| Toledo, OH (TOL) | 3:31 a.m. ET |
| Sandusky, OH (SKY) | 4:23 a.m. ET |
| Elyria, OH (ELY) | 5:02 a.m. ET |
| Cleveland, OH (CLE) | Arrives 5:50 a.m. ET |
NOTE: Chicago runs on Central Time (CT), which is one hour behind Eastern Time (ET). Hence, passengers can see a time arrival durations being inaccurate.
Amtrak Classes and Amenities
Both the Lake Shore Limited and the Floridian are long-distance Amtrak trains carrying Viewliner sleeping cars alongside Coach seating.
Amtrak Coach Class
Coach Class is the most affordable option on both trains. Seats are wide with generous legroom, arranged two-by-two and fully reclining. Each seat includes fold-down tray tables, reading lights, and power outlets. Large windows provide views of the Lake Erie shoreline on the Lake Shore Limited and the Indiana countryside on both routes. Passengers can visit the Cafe Car for food and drinks throughout the journey.
Amtrak Sleeping Accommodations
Both trains operate Viewliner sleeping cars on the Cleveland-Chicago segment. All Sleeping fares include meals served in the Dining Car for the duration of the journey, which helps offset some of the price premium over Coach, especially for cafe purchases on a seven-hour trip.
Roomette: A private two-person room with two facing seats that convert to upper and lower berths. The Roomette includes a large window, reading lights, USB charging, and climate control. Included meals make this the most popular choice for solo travellers and couples on an overnight or early-morning departure.
Bedroom: A larger private room with a full-size lower bed, an upper bunk, and a private toilet and sink. A shower is available in the Bedroom Suite car. Meals are included, and Bedroom passengers access the Metropolitan Lounge at select staffed stations.
Accessible Bedroom: Located on the lower level of the Viewliner car, with wide doorways, an accessible toilet and sink, and space for a mobility device.
Onboard Amenities in both Lake Shore Limited and Floridian Train
Cafe Car: Open throughout both journeys, the Cafe Car serves hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. All Coach and Sleeping passengers can use it and pay the amount using their Visa, Amtrak, Mastercard, or any other credit card. However, paying in cash is also available.
Dining: Sleeping Car passengers on both trains receive meals served privately in their rooms. Breakfast is served on the morning arrival into Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited. Furthermore, Amtrak allows passengers to bring their own food on the train without any extra charges.
Sightseer Lounge: Both trains include a Sightseer Lounge car with upper-deck windows open to all passengers. On the Lake Shore Limited, the lounge offers views of the Lake Erie shoreline through Ohio.
Amtrak Wifi: A free internet connection is available on both trains. Connectivity is generally adequate in urban and suburban areas and can be intermittent in rural sections of Ohio and Indiana.
Amtrak Power Outlets: All Coach seats include power outlets. Sleeping rooms also include USB charging ports.
Amtrak’s Pet Policy: Small dogs and cats weighing under 20 pounds, including the carrier, may travel with a reservation and a $26 pet fee.
Bicycle Policy: Folding bicycles are permitted as carry-on items. Standard bicycles require a checked baggage reservation, available at both Cleveland Lakefront Station and Chicago Union Station.
NOTE: Passengers often consider traveling from buses to Chicago from Cleveland, which is certainly not a recommended option. According to reviews, the bus journeys are uncomfortable due to limited leg space, multiple stops, traffic, and more. However, it is a cheaper option but too crowded and with fewer amenities. On the other hand, Amtrak trains offer a roomette on this route that also includes meals, washrooms, and staff assistance on both the platform and train.
Cleveland Amtrak Station
Cleveland Lakefront Station is located at 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH 44114, on the downtown waterfront at North Coast Harbor, adjacent to Lake Erie and within walking distance of some of Cleveland’s attractions.
Current Notice: As of May 18, 2026, station doors are under construction. Passengers should allow extra time when arriving and follow station signage for the current entrance route.
The station has:
- A waiting area,
- A staffed ticket counter (operating during hours aligned with train arrivals and departures),
- Public restrooms,
- Checked baggage service.
- Vending machines are available for food and drink.
- The station is compact compared to major city terminals; it serves as a long-distance pass-through stop.
Amtrak Chicago Station
Chicago Union Station is located at 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, in the West Loop, on the west bank of the Chicago River. It is the busiest Amtrak station in the United States and serves as the hub for all Amtrak long-distance and corridor routes in the Midwest.
Station Facilities:
- A spacious Metropolitan Lounge for Sleeping Car passengers,
- A staffed Amtrak ticket counter,
- Automated kiosks,
- Public restrooms,
- Multiple dining options,
- Retail shops, and
- Checked baggage service
- The station is well-staffed and equipped for the volume of passengers it handles daily.
Metropolitan Lounge
Bedroom and accessible bedroom passengers on both the Lake Shore Limited and the Floridian have access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago Union Station. The lounge offers complimentary snacks, beverages, comfortable seating, and a quieter environment before departure or after arrival.
How to Book Amtrak tickets to Chicago
Passengers can use the following ways to book tickets through online and offline platforms of Amtrak.
On Amtrak.com: Visit Amtrak’s website, enter Cleveland (CLE) as the origin and Chicago (CHI) as the destination, and select the travel date, passenger count, and cabin class. Both the Floridian and the Lake Shore Limited appear in the same search results; compare departure times and fares side by side.
Via the Amtrak App: The app supports full booking, mobile ticketing, and real-time train tracking. Both trains’ live positions can be monitored in the app, which is especially useful given the departure times in the early hours of the morning.
At the Station: A staffed ticket counter operates at Cleveland Lakefront Station during hours aligned with train arrivals and departures. As both trains depart in the early hours of the morning, online booking in advance is strongly recommended rather than relying on station ticket sales.
Advance Booking: Both the Lake Shore Limited and the Floridian serve Cleveland once daily in each direction. Booking at least one to two weeks in advance secures better Coach fares and is essential for Sleeping accommodations, which are limited and fill quickly on popular travel dates and holidays.
Available Discounts from Cleveland to Chicago
Various discounts and deals are available on this route from Cleveland to Chicago that help in reducing the overall cost of tickets, if someone belongs to these categories.
Amtrak Children’s Discount: One child aged 2 to 12 travelling with a fare-paying adult receives a 50% discount on the lowest available Coach fare. Children under 2 who do not occupy a separate seat travel free.
Amtrak Senior Discount: Passengers aged 65 and over receive a 10% discount on Coach fares. The discount applies automatically when booking on Amtrak.com.
Amtrak Student Discount: Students aged 17 to 24 with a valid student ID can save 15% on Coach fares. The discount is available to select during the booking process on Amtrak.com.
Amtrak Military Discount: Active-duty U.S. military personnel, their spouses, and dependents receive a 10% discount with a valid military ID. Veterans also qualify for the same 10% discount.
Amtrak Group Discount: Groups of 6 or more passengers travelling together on the same train can save up to 60% on Coach fares. Group bookings require advance coordination through Amtrak’s group sales team.
Best Advice for Traveling Between Chicago and Cleveland
Commuters can take these advises to make their travel between Cleveland and Chicago comfortable and efficient.
Choose the Lake Shore Limited for reliability: The Lake Shore Limited has an on-time performance of approximately 75%, compared to the Floridian’s 12-month average of 32.5%.
Book a Roomette for early-morning departures: Both trains depart Cleveland between 2:59 and 4:03 a.m. For passengers driving to the station, boarding a train in the early hours, and wanting to arrive in Chicago refreshed, a Roomette provides a private room, included breakfast, and the ability to sleep properly during the crossing.
Use the Sightseer Lounge on the Lake Shore Limited: The approach to Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited passes through the south shore of Lake Michigan and into the city from the east. In the morning hours between 8 and 10 a.m., the lounge offers views of the lake and the city skyline as the train approaches Union Station.
Pre-book a ride to Cleveland Lakefront Station: Both trains depart Cleveland at hours when ridesharing availability is lower than normal. Booking an Uber or Lyft in advance the night before, or pre-scheduling a taxi pickup, avoids the risk of a 20 to 30 minute wait at 3 a.m. on a quiet waterfront road.
Arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure: Both trains make a brief stop in Cleveland. The Floridian pauses for a few minutes, and the Lake Shore Limited similarly. The station is unstaffed during the quietest overnight hours at times, so arriving with the allotted boarding time is important.
Earn Amtrak Guest Rewards points: Every journey earns points redeemable for future travel. Sleeping Car passengers earn, and Business Class earns a 25% bonus per trip.
Passengers planning a journey from Amtrak Cleveland to Chicago have to travel around 8 hours by train. Two trains are available that run daily on this route with frequency in the early morning. Both of these offer Coaches and sleeping accommodations with multiple facilities. Moreover, all must keep the time difference in mind and arrive at the station accordingly.
FAQs
1. How long does the train take from Cleveland to Chicago?
The Floridian (Train 40) takes approximately 6 hours and 46 minutes, departing Cleveland at 2:59 a.m. ET and arriving in Chicago at 8:45 a.m. CT. The Lake Shore Limited (Train 49) takes approximately 7 hours and 9 minutes, departing at 4:03 a.m. ET and arriving at 10:12 a.m. CT.
2. How many Amtrak trains run daily between Cleveland and Chicago?
Two trains run daily in each direction. The Floridian and the Lake Shore Limited each serve Cleveland once per day westbound and once per day eastbound. Both westbound departures leave in the early hours of the morning.
3. What trains serve the Cleveland to Chicago Amtrak route?
The Lake Shore Limited (Trains 48 and 49) and the Floridian (Trains 40 and 41) both serve this corridor daily. The Lake Shore Limited runs the Chicago-New York/Boston route via the Lake Erie shoreline. The Floridian runs the Chicago-Miami route via Pittsburgh.
4. What is the cheapest fare from Cleveland to Chicago on Amtrak?
Coach fares start from approximately $28 on early bookings on both trains. Prices increase as departure approaches. Sleeping accommodations start from around $155 and include all meals in the Dining Car.
5. Which station does Amtrak use in Cleveland?
Trains depart from Cleveland Lakefront Station at 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, on the downtown waterfront near the Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. As of May 2026, station doors are under construction; follow on-site signage for current access.
6. Which train is more reliable- the Amtrak train journey or Greyhound bus journey?
As per passenger reviews, traveling from Cleveland to Chicago is better on the Amtrak trains due to ample legroom and amenities. The overnight journey through buses are uncomfortable and not recommended.
7. Do both trains have sleeping cars on the Cleveland-Chicago route?
Yes. Both the Lake Shore Limited and the Floridian carry Viewliner sleeping cars on this route. Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms are all bookable for the Cleveland-Chicago segment. All Sleeping fares include meals in the Dining Car.
8. What transport is available from Chicago Union Station?
Union Station is within walking distance of the CTA Blue, Pink, and Green lines. The Blue Line provides direct access to O’Hare Airport and the full Chicago L network. Metra commuter rail, taxis, and ride-hailing services all serve the station. Millennium Park and the Loop are a 10 to 15 minute walk.
9. Is there parking at Cleveland Lakefront Station?
Yes, A small, free, fenced surface lot is available for Amtrak passengers, including overnight and multi-day parking. The lot doesn’t have any staff, and space is limited during busy periods.
10. What time do Amtrak trains arrive in Cleveland from Chicago?
Train 41 (Floridian) arrives in Cleveland at 1:54 a.m. ET. Train 48 (Lake Shore Limited) arrives at 5:50 a.m. ET. Both are overnight arrivals from Chicago.
