There are 5 ways to get from Chicago to Elk Rapids by plane, train, bus, car, or bus (Amtrak)
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Fly to Traverse City
best- Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Traverse City (TVC)plane ORD - TVC
3h 22m$88–315Drive 319.7 mi
cheapest- Drive from Chicago to Elk Rapidscar 319.7 mi
5h 27m$59–85Train, bus
- Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationtrain Pere Marquette
- Take the bus from Grand Rapids to Traverse Citybus It 80
9h 29m$182–274Fly to Manistee County-Blacker Airport, drive
- Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Manistee County-Blacker Airport (MBL)plane ORD - MBL
- Drive from Manistee County-Blacker Airport (MBL) to Elk Rapidscar
4h 47m$106–215Bus
- Take the bus from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationbus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
- Take the bus from Grand Rapids to Traverse Citybus It 80
9h 29m
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Traverse City (TVC) flights
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Elk Rapids is to drive which costs $55 - $85 and takes 5h 27m.
The fastest way to get from Chicago to Elk Rapids is to fly which takes 3h 22m and costs $85 - $320.
No, there is no direct bus from Chicago station to Elk Rapids. However, there are services departing from Chicago Union Station and arriving at Traverse City via Grand Rapids. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 9h 29m.
The distance between Chicago and Elk Rapids is 258 miles. The road distance is 321.6 miles.
The best way to get from Chicago to Elk Rapids without a car is to train and bus which takes 9h 29m and costs $180 - $280.
It takes approximately 3h 22m to get from Chicago to Elk Rapids, including transfers.
Chicago to Elk Rapids bus services, operated by Amtrak, depart from Chicago Union Station.
The best way to get from Chicago to Elk Rapids is to fly which takes 3h 22m and costs $85 - $320. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs and takes 9h 29m.
Chicago to Elk Rapids bus services, operated by Amtrak, arrive at Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station.
Elk Rapids is 1h ahead of Chicago. It is currently 2:45 PM in Chicago and 3:45 PM in Elk Rapids.
What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Elk Rapids, MI, USA?
American Airlines and United Airlines fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Traverse City (TVC) every 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chicago Union Station to Elk Rapids via Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City in around 9h 29m.
- Website
- united.com
Flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Traverse City
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 24m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $35–250
- Website
- aa.com
Flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Traverse City
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 17m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $35–250
- Website
- contouraviation.com
Flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Manistee County-Blacker Airport
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 20m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $90–190
Rome2Rio's guide to Amtrak
Contact DetailsContact Details
- Phone
- +1 800-872-7245
- Website
- Amtrak
Train from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 4m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $95–150
- Website
- Amtrak
- Phone
- +1 989-725-5105
- Website
- Indian Trails
Bus from Grand Rapids to Traverse City
- Ave. Duration
- 4h
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $25–50
- Website
- Indian Trails
Bus from Grand Rapids to Traverse City
- Ave. Duration
- 4h
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $25–50
- Website
- Indian Trails
Rome2Rio's guide to Amtrak
Contact DetailsContact Details
- Phone
- +1 800-872-7245
- Website
- Amtrak
Bus from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 4m
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Website
- Amtrak
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Booking & Getting There
Yes, the driving distance between Chicago to Elk Rapids is 322 miles. It takes approximately 5h 27m to drive from Chicago to Elk Rapids.
There are 572+ hotels available in Elk Rapids.