Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu, Nov 27
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Amtrak
Regionale
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 28

Cheapest price

$177

Average price

$177

Fastest journey

17 h 48 m

Average duration

17 h 48 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

952 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL will cost around $177 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $177.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Arlington, VA for Chicago, IL on Fri, Nov 28, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 28 the direct trains cover the 952 km distance in an average of 17 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 17 h 48 m .

On Fri, Nov 28 the slowest trains will take 17 h 48 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.

Amtrak
07:57PM17h48
Arlington, VA
01:45PMChicago, IL
$1771One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €55, and a train costs an average of €83.

Distance: 591 miles (952 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus

€138

Average price

€120

Average price

€93

Average price

Cheapest

18h 42m

Average total duration

18h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 28m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 28m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

28h 4m

Average total duration

27h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 4:49 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak8:05 PM Arlington, VA
17h40
1:45 PM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL 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.

Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04

Why should you book Arlington to Chicago trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Arlington to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Arlington to Chicago.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Arlington to Chicago.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL run on average 9 times per day, taking around 18h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $102 (€83) but you can travel from only $67 (€55) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 591 miles (952 km) distance in 17h 48m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)
Distance
591 miles (952 km)
Average train duration
18h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
$102 (€83)
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
17h 48m
First train
03:20
Last train
21:30
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)

Train companies: Amtrak from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Arlington, VA and Chicago, IL from $67 (€55). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
17h 40m
Cheapest Price
$102 (€83)
Amtrak frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
The distance by train from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is 591 miles (952 km).
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
The train journey from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains and the rolling hills of West Virginia and Ohio, providing a pleasant visual experience for travelers.
The train station in Arlington, VA that goes to Chicago, IL is Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
Train ticket prices from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $102 (€83), while the average price is around $170 (€138).
A day trip from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 17h 48m. There are 9 trips per day available for trains, covering a distance of 591 miles (952 km).
The cheapest way to get from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $67 (€55).
The first train from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL leaves at 3:20 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
There is no high speed train available from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
The train from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL takes 17h 48m and runs 9 per day.
Yes, there is a direct train from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The last train from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL leaves at 9:30 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL

Arlington
Chicago
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

More options for your journey from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Arlington, VA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, ILArlington, VA to Chicago, IL train

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