- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$957
Average price
$957
Fastest journey
2 d 2 h 54 m
Average duration
2 d 2 h 54 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2837 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Centralia, WA 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 Centralia, WA to Chicago, IL will cost around $957 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $957.
It's difficult to get from Centralia, WA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Centralia, WA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $163. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $163, and a flight costs an average of $195.
Distance: 1762 miles (2837 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$163 Average price Cheapest | $195 Average price | $421 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
68h 56m Average total duration 68h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 30h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Centralia, WA to Chicago, IL:
A train is $33 (€27) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Centralia, WA to Chicago, IL costing on average $195 (€160).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 68h 26m.
Tickets start at around $163 (€133) compared to roughly $421 (€344) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $258 (€211). The journey takes 68h 26m versus 30h 54m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Centralia, WA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:51 PM Centralia, WA | 50h54 | 4:45 PM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Trains from Centralia, WA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 68h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $163 (€133) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 13:52, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 1762 miles (2837 km) distance in 54h 26m.
Distance 1762 miles (2837 km) |
Average train duration 68h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $163 (€133) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 54h 26m |
First train 1:52 PM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Centralia, WA 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.

Most Centralia, WA to Chicago, IL trains use the Centralia Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Centralia, WA and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Centralia Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Centralia Station.
Available at Centralia Station: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Centralia Station.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need