The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR
Cheapest price
$332
Average price
$466
Fastest journey
1 d 22 h 12 m
Average duration
2 d 6 h 5 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
2823 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR will cost around $466 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $332.
Of the 6 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Portland, OR on Mon, May 18, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 18 the direct trains cover the 2823 km distance in an average of 2 d 6 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 22 h 12 m .
On Mon, May 18 the slowest trains will take 3 d 3 h 15 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.
27 Empire Builder3:05 PM46h12Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:17 AMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$3321One-way0 transfers
7 Empire Builder · 27 Empire Builder3:05 PM46h12Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:17 AMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$3861One-way1 transfer
7 Empire Builder · 507 Amtrak Cascades3:05 PM52h40Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:45 PMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$3861One-way1 transfer
1333 Borealis · 27 Empire Builder11:10 AM50h07Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:17 AMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$5211One-way1 transfer
5 California Zephyr · 14 Coast Starlight2:00 PM75h40Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3:40 PMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$5781One-way1 transfer
7 Empire Builder · 27 Empire Builder3:05 PM46h12Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:17 AMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$3861One-way1 transfer
27 Empire Builder3:05 PM46h12Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:17 AMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$3321One-way0 transfers
1333 Borealis · 27 Empire Builder11:10 AM50h07Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:17 AMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$5211One-way1 transfer
7 Empire Builder · 507 Amtrak Cascades3:05 PM52h40Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:45 PMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$3861One-way1 transfer
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight2:25 PM75h15Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3:40 PMPortland Union Station, Portland, OR$5951One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Chicago, IL to Portland, OR
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $106. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $106, and a train costs an average of $128.
Distance: 1754 miles (2823 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$466 Average price | $342 Average price Cheapest | $385 Average price | $437 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
48h 54m Average total duration 48h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 56m Average total duration Fastest 4h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 75h 52m Average total duration 75h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.5 - 16.9kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 7.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR:
A flight is $43 (€34) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR costing on average $385 (€311).
A flight is $124 (€100) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR costing on average $466 (€377).
Other travel options to Portland, OR take longer:
Train takes on average 48h 24m.
Bus takes on average 75h 22m.
Tickets start at around $466 (€377) compared to roughly $437 (€353) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.73 (€-24.01). The journey takes 48h 24m versus 30h 53m 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.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Portland, OR train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Portland, OR trains for today, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
421 Texas Eagle · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 99h30 | 3:40 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 75h15 | 3:40 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 1 transfer | |
27 Empire Builder | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 46h12 | 11:17 AM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 0 transfersDirect | |
7 Empire Builder · 27 Empire Builder | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 46h12 | 11:17 AM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 1 transfer | |
7 Empire Builder · 507 Amtrak Cascades | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 52h40 | 5:45 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Portland, OR by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus 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.
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR
Trains from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR run on average 6 times per day, taking around 48h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $128 (€104) but you can travel from only $106 (€85) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:45, the last at 17:09. The fastest train covers the 1754 miles (2823 km) distance in 46h 12m.
Distance 1754 miles (2823 km) |
Average train duration 48h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $128 (€104) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 46h 12m |
First train 6:45 AM |
Last train 5:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 70 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Portland, OR from $106 (€85). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR 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 Portland, OR, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access is available via NW 6th Avenue.
- Wilf's Restaurant & Bar
- Al-Amir Lebanese Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1.50
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
- The Benson, a Coast Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main entrance leading to platforms 1-3 for Amtrak services
- waiting areas and ticket counters are located in the main hall.
- MAX Light Rail: Green Line, Yellow Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Streetcar: NS Line
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR
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