The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA
Cheapest price
$328
Average price
$408
Fastest journey
1 d 22 h 24 m
Average duration
2 d 7 h 1 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
2789 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA will cost around $408 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $328.
Of the 6 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Seattle, WA on Wed, Apr 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Apr 15 the direct trains cover the 2789 km distance in an average of 2 d 7 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 22 h 24 m .
On Wed, Apr 15 the slowest trains will take 3 d 7 h 26 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.
7 Empire Builder3:05 PM46h24Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:29 AMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$3281One-way0 transfers
1333 Borealis · 7 Empire Builder11:10 AM50h19Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:29 AMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$3591One-way1 transfer
27 Empire Builder · 7 Empire Builder3:05 PM46h24Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:29 AMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$4001One-way1 transfer
27 Empire Builder · 518 Amtrak Cascades3:05 PM52h32Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:37 PMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$4131One-way1 transfer
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight2:25 PM79h26Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:51 PMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$4471One-way1 transfer
7 Empire Builder3:05 PM46h24Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:29 AMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$3281One-way0 transfers
27 Empire Builder · 7 Empire Builder3:05 PM46h24Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:29 AMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$4001One-way1 transfer
1333 Borealis · 7 Empire Builder11:10 AM50h19Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:29 AMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$3591One-way1 transfer
27 Empire Builder · 518 Amtrak Cascades3:05 PM52h32Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:37 PMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$4131One-way1 transfer
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight2:25 PM79h26Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:51 PMKing Street Station, Seattle, WA$4471One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $84. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 35m. 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 $84, and a bus costs an average of $159.
Distance: 1733 miles (2789 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$386 Average price | $306 Average price Cheapest | $394 Average price |
50h 1m Average total duration 49h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 35m Average total duration Fastest 4h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 80h 25m Average total duration 79h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA trains for today, Tuesday, April 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1333 Borealis · 7 Empire Builder | 4:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 50h19 | 6:29 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 1 transfer | |
5 California Zephyr · 14 Coast Starlight | 7:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 79h51 | 2:51 AM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 1 transfer | |
421 Texas Eagle · 14 Coast Starlight | 7:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 103h41 | 2:51 AM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief · 14 Coast Starlight | 7:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 79h26 | 2:51 AM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 1 transfer | |
27 Empire Builder · 7 Empire Builder | 8:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 46h24 | 6:29 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 1 transfer | |
27 Empire Builder · 518 Amtrak Cascades | 8:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 52h32 | 12:37 AM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 1 transfer | |
7 Empire Builder | 8:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 46h24 | 6:29 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 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 Seattle, WA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 49h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $147 (€117) but you can travel from only $84 (€67) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:55, the last at 16:55. The fastest train covers the 1733 miles (2789 km) distance in 46h 24m.
Distance 1733 miles (2789 km) |
Average train duration 49h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $147 (€117) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 46h 24m |
First train 8:55 AM |
Last train 4:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA from $84 (€67). 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 Seattle, WA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Seattle, 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 Seattle, WA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available near the station, with several parking lots and garages in the vicinity.
- The London Plane
- Salumi
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $0.50
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square
- The Arctic Club Seattle - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and Sounder trains
- Bus: Several lines available
- Light Rail: Link Light Rail at International District/Chinatown Station
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA
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