Cleveland, OH, USA to Chicago, IL, USA from $14: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Cleveland to Chicago: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$14 by trainBest price
497 kmDistance
3h 19m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cleveland to Chicago with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Traveling From Cleveland to Chicago
The journey from Cleveland to Chicago offers a transition from the vibrant lakefront of Ohio to the bustling urban landscape of Illinois, each city presenting distinct cultural flavors and activities.
Best Neighbourhoods in Chicago
Chicago's neighborhoods showcase a rich blend of culture, food, and history.
Lincoln Park
• Home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, free entry.
• Charming boutiques and cafes along Armitage Avenue.
Wicker Park
• Trendy spot for music and arts enthusiasts.
• Offers diverse dining options, from casual to upscale.
The Loop
• Iconic skyscrapers and vibrant city life.
• Close proximity to major attractions and parks.
Best Times To Visit Chicago's Attractions
Visiting Chicago's attractions at the right time can significantly enhance your experience.
Millennium Park
Early mornings or weekdays offer a quieter atmosphere to enjoy the art installations.
Navy Pier
Visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday afternoons, makes exploring more enjoyable.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Mornings right after opening, especially on weekdays, provide a serene viewing experience.
Chicago Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Chicago experiences a mix of four distinct seasons, with hot summers and chilly winters shaping local activities. Planning your visit around spring or early fall often yields the most pleasant weather, enhancing your enjoyment of the city.
Culinary Adventure in Chicago
Indulge in Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, where the crust’s buttery texture and rich cheese create a distinct flavor experience unlike anything in Cleveland. This energetic eatery captures the essence of Chicago's culinary scene, offering a lively atmosphere and a focus on fresh, local ingredients that elevate your meal.
Cleveland - Chicago operators
Explore transport companies operating between Cleveland and Chicago, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
aa.com
Plane from Cleveland to Chicago O'Hare
Average Duration
1h 35mEstimated price
$330-331Website
southwest.com
Plane from Cleveland to Chicago Midway
Average Duration
1h 19mEstimated price
$332-350Plane from Cleveland to Chicago O'Hare
Average Duration
1h 35mEstimated price
$330-331Website
delta.com
Plane from Cleveland to Chicago Midway
Average Duration
3h 19mEstimated price
$30-350Plane from Cleveland to Chicago O'Hare
Average Duration
3h 41mEstimated price
$30-333Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Cleveland to Chicago Union Station
Average Duration
6h 46mEstimated price
$14-140Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Cleveland Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station
Average Duration
7h 30mEstimated price
$35-95Contact phone
+1 888-378-3823Website
https://baronsbus.com/
Bus from Cleveland to Chicago
Average Duration
7h 35mEstimated price
$35-337Cleveland to Chicago: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Cleveland and Chicago offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Cleveland to Chicago spanning 345 miles. The journey promises a mix of urban landscapes and picturesque Midwest countryside.
💰 Plan your budget accordingly as the cost of driving from Cleveland to Chicago typically ranges from $60 to $95, considering factors such as gas, tolls, and potential pit stops along the way.
🏙️ Arrive in bustling Chicago after approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes of driving, ready to explore the vibrant city known for its iconic skyline, deep-dish pizza, and rich cultural attractions.
Average price
$60 - $95
🚆 Enjoy a scenic journey from Cleveland to Chicago on the Amtrak train service. Departing three times a day, the direct train ride takes approximately 6 hours and 46 minutes.
🛤️ Covering a distance of 339 miles, the route offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel between these two vibrant cities. Arriving at Chicago Union Station, operated by Amtrak, passengers can relax and soak in the beautiful views along the way.
💸 With ticket prices ranging from $14-$140, exploring the Midwest by train is not only affordable but also a memorable experience. Sit back, relax, and let the train take you from Cleveland to Chicago for an enjoyable journey through the heart of the United States.
Departure Point
Cleveland station
Arrival Point
Chicago Union Station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: If you're traveling with Amtrak on the Cardinal or the Lake Shore Limited, you'll find that they offer a café car providing snack and beverage options, including coffee, sandwiches, and light meals. Be sure to check the menu in advance to see if any meal specials are available during your journey.
Seating Options: Amtrak provides several classes of seating on this route including Coach Class (Economy), which is comfortable but basic; Business Class, which offers extra legroom and amenities; and First Class, where you can enjoy spacious seating and complimentary meals. If you prefer a quieter environment and a bit more luxury, consider upgrading to First Class.
Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Union Station in Chicago, be aware that there are facilities for luggage storage located on the lower level, which is very handy if you want to explore the city before checking into your accommodation. The station also has clean restrooms, but it does not have shower facilities.
Fastest Way to City Center: From Union Station, the fastest route to the city center is to take the 'L' train. Specifically, you can catch the Blue Line directly from the station. The 'L' train will bring you to the State/Lake station, and from there, you're just a short walk to many central attractions. Make sure to check the CTA website for the latest updates: transitchicago.com
Multiple Operators: For the Cleveland to Chicago route, Amtrak is the primary operator. Their official website is amtrak.com Additionally, check out the Greyhound website if you're interested in bus options: greyhound.com Both sites will provide you with schedules and fare options.
🛫 Flying from Cleveland to Chicago is quick and convenient, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Delta and Southwest Airlines provide flights between Cleveland Airport and Chicago Midway Airport.
🏙 Upon arriving in Chicago, you can expect a total travel time of approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes by plane. This efficient mode of transportation allows for a smooth journey between these two major cities.
💸 The cost of flights between Cleveland and Chicago can range from $33 to $358, offering a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Departure Point
Cleveland Airport
Arrival Point
Chicago Midway Airport
🚌 Traveling by bus from Cleveland to Chicago is a convenient option with buses departing three times a day from Cleveland Bus Station and arriving at Chicago Bus Station. The journey typically takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes with Greyhound USA operating the services.
🛣️ The direct route from Cleveland to Chicago covers a distance of 368 miles and is serviced by Greyhound buses. The trip duration is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, providing a straightforward and efficient travel experience for passengers looking to reach Chicago from Cleveland.
💰 Ticket prices for buses between Cleveland and Chicago can vary from $35 to $95, depending on factors such as the time of booking and availability. Travelers can enjoy a comfortable and cost-effective journey with multiple daily departures, making it an accessible transportation option between these two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Cleveland Bus Station
Arrival Point
Chicago Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your Greyhound ticket in advance online to secure the best rates, as prices range from $35 to $95, and purchasing early can save you money. Visit greyhound.com for more details.
• Pack snacks and entertainment for the 7.5-hour journey; bring a portable charger as the bus might not have charging outlets. Look for local snack shops near Cleveland Bus Station for last-minute supplies.
• Upon arrival at Chicago Bus Station, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the transit options available, including the CTA bus and 'L' train system, which can be found at transitchicago.com to help you navigate the city.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Cleveland to Chicago.
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The distance between Cleveland and Chicago is approximately 497 km or 556 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes 6 hours and 46 minutes to reach Chicago from Cleveland. By plane, the travel time is 3 hours and 14 minutes. By car, it takes around 5 hours and 42 minutes to travel from Cleveland to Chicago, while by bus, the journey takes approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cleveland to Chicago is by train, with prices ranging from $14 to $140. However, this option also takes the longest, with a travel time of 6 hours and 46 minutes. If time is a priority, the quickest way to reach Chicago is by flying, with a travel time of 3 hours and 14 minutes, and prices ranging from $50 to $290.
The prices for a train ticket from Cleveland to Chicago can range from $14 to $140, depending on the type of ticket and class of service. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Chicago and Cleveland can vary from $35 to $95, also depending on factors like the bus company and level of comfort.
To get from Cleveland to Chicago without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 555 km, which takes around 5 hours and 42 minutes by car. The driving route offers flexibility and allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way. The estimated cost for gas and tolls can range from $60 to $95, depending on the specific vehicle and current fuel prices.
The best way to travel from Cleveland to Chicago without a car is by train. It takes approximately 6 hours and 46 minutes and costs between $14 and $140. Another option is to fly, which takes about 3 hours and 14 minutes and costs between $50 and $290. If you prefer, you can also take a bus, which takes around 7 hours and 10 minutes and costs between $35 and $95.
Yes, there is a direct link between Cleveland and Chicago. You can travel by train, with services operated by Amtrak, which depart from Cleveland and arrive at Chicago Union Station. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 46 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus, operated by Greyhound USA, which also offers direct services between Cleveland and Chicago. The bus journey takes approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes.
The flight between Cleveland and Chicago typically takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. Generally, prices for flights between Chicago and Cleveland range from $53 to $288.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Chicago. With over 1116 hotels available, travelers have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in Chicago start at $58 per night, making it accessible for different types of travelers.
Trips from Cleveland
Trips to Chicago
- Nashville to Chicago
- Toronto to Chicago
- Boston to Chicago
- Milwaukee to Chicago
- Wichita to Chicago
- New York to Chicago
- Detroit to Chicago
- Minneapolis to Chicago
- Dallas to Chicago
- Atlanta to Chicago
- Miami to Chicago
- Kansas City to Chicago
- Washington to Chicago
- Scranton to Chicago
- San Francisco to Chicago
- Saint Louis to Chicago
- Indianapolis to Chicago