- Recommended
Hands On Children's Museum
Hands-on natural history museum and educational center with regional exhibits, live animals, and family activities.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 56h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €311 but you can travel from only €184 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:19, the last at 13:51. The fastest train covers the 1759 miles (2832 km) distance in 47h 43m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Olympia, WA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Olympia, WA trip today.
Hands-on natural history museum and educational center with regional exhibits, live animals, and family activities.
Free state museum covering Washington history, Indigenous cultures, and rotating exhibits beside the Capitol Campus.
Contemporary art center featuring rotating exhibitions by regional and national artists in a compact downtown gallery.
Scenic waterfront boardwalk and marina promenade with public art, harbor views, and an easy central walk.
Popular downtown market with waterfront paths, local vendors, and easy access to Percival Landing boardwalk.
Large urban park with forest trails, beaches, and Sound views, popular for walks, birding, and sunset stops.
Geoduck clam, native to Puget Sound, is served raw, sautéed, or in chowder. It is a signature South Sound seafood known for its sweet, briny flavor.
Pacific Northwest oyster varieties from nearby South Puget Sound are prized for clean, briny flavor and are a classic local raw bar choice.
Cedar-planked salmon reflects regional Indigenous and Northwest cooking traditions, pairing local salmon with smoky wood aroma.
Established sandwich and lunch café in downtown Olympia, valued for quality ingredients, soups, and a friendly neighborhood feel.
Long-running oyster bar and seafood spot near the farmers market, known for fresh shellfish and relaxed waterfront dining.
Refined downtown restaurant serving seasonal Pacific Northwest dishes, seafood, and steaks in an intimate historic setting.
Moderate for U.S. state capitals. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is limited, and car costs can add up versus larger cities with better public transport.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Olympia, WA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA 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 Olympia, WA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA trains use the Union Station to station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Olympia, WA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.