The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR
Cheapest price
$330
Average price
$330
Fastest journey
2 d 6 h 29 m
Average duration
2 d 6 h 29 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2857 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Salem, 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 Salem, OR will cost around $330 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $330.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Salem, OR on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 2857 km distance in an average of 2 d 6 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 6 h 29 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 2 d 6 h 29 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.
9:05 PM54h29Chicago, IL3:34 AMSalem, OR$3301One-way0 transfers
9:05 PM54h29Chicago, IL3:34 AMSalem, OR$3301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Salem, OR
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $254. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $254, and a train costs an average of $220.
Distance: 1775 miles (2857 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$432 Average price | $354 Average price | $308 Average price Cheapest | $430 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
56h 51m Average total duration 56h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 92h 15m Average total duration 91h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 31h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR:
A bus is $45 (€37) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR costing on average $354 (€290).
A bus is $124 (€101) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR costing on average $432 (€354).
Other travel options to Salem, OR take longer:
Train takes on average 56h 21m.
Bus takes on average 91h 45m.
Tickets start at around $432 (€354) compared to roughly $430 (€352) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-2.30 (€-1.88). The journey takes 56h 21m versus 31h 37m 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 Salem, OR train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Salem, OR trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:05 PM Chicago, IL | 54h29 | 3:34 AM Salem, OR | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Salem, OR 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR
Trains from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR run on average 5 times per day, taking around 56h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $220 (€180) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 08:56, the last at 15:39. The fastest train covers the 1775 miles (2857 km) distance in 48h 15m.
Distance 1775 miles (2857 km) |
Average train duration 56h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $220 (€180) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 48h 15m |
First train 8:56 AM |
Last train 3:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Salem, OR from $220 (€180). 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 Salem, OR
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Salem, 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 Salem, OR, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR
Most Chicago, IL to Salem, OR trains use the Union Station to Salem Railroad Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Salem, OR train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Salem, OR leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Which Salem, OR station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to Salem Railroad Station from Salem city centre
Salem Railroad Station is 1 km from Salem city centre. Public transport options include:
Salem Railroad Station train station facilities and services
Salem Railroad Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gamberetti's Italian Restaurant, Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Salem Railroad Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Salem Railroad Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salem Railroad Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Salem Railroad Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salem Railroad Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Grand Hotel in Salem, Phoenix Inn Suites Salem, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Salem.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR
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