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National Museum of Health and Medicine
Federal museum with military medicine, pathology, and medical history collections. Best known for Civil War and forensic exhibits.
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $134. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 14h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $134, and a flight costs an average of $425.
Distance: 592 miles (953 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$237 Average price | $134 Average price Cheapest | $425 Average price | $138 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 19m Average total duration 23h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 28m Average total duration 18h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 16m Average total duration Fastest 14h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD is a bus with an average price of $134 (€110).
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD:
A bus is $103 (€85) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD costing on average $237 (€195).
A bus is $291 (€239) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD costing on average $425 (€349).
The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD is by flight with an average journey time of 14h 16m.
Other travel options to Silver Spring, MD take longer:
Bus takes on average 18h 58m.
Train takes on average 23h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Silver Spring, MD including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $237 (€195) compared to roughly $138 (€113) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-99.04 (€-81.40). The journey takes 23h 49m versus 10h 16m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD
USAUSA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD run on average 6 times per day, taking around 23h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $237 (€195) but you can travel from only $134 (€110) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 592 miles (953 km) distance in 23h 49m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $134 (€110)
Distance 592 miles (953 km) |
Average train duration 23h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $237 (€195) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 23h 49m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $134 (€110)
Complete guide to Silver Spring
Things to do in Silver Spring
Discover the best of Silver Spring — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Silver Spring trip today.
Montgomery County Historical Society Museum
Local history museum interpreting Montgomery County’s past through rotating exhibits, archives, and community heritage displays.
AFI Silver Theatre Cultural Exhibits
Art Deco cinema with occasional film-history displays and cultural exhibits. Worth visiting mainly for architecture and film heritage.
- Must visit
Downtown Silver Spring
The city’s main activity hub with plazas, public art, events, shopping, and lively pedestrian energy.
- Must visit
Sligo Creek Trail
Scenic multi-use trail popular for walking, running, and cycling through wooded stream valley landscapes.
- Must visit
Brookside Gardens
Large public botanical garden with seasonal displays, conservatories, and highly photogenic paths.
Half-Smoke
A smoky, coarse-ground sausage linked to the Washington, DC area, often served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is a classic regional street-food staple popular around Silver Spring.
Mumbo Sauce Wings
Fried chicken wings coated in sweet-tangy mumbo sauce, a signature condiment of the Washington area. It is a beloved local takeout favorite with strong roots in nearby DC.
Chesapeake Crab Cakes
Crab cakes made with sweet blue crab from the Chesapeake region, usually lightly bound and pan-fried or broiled. They are one of the most iconic foods in the greater Maryland area.
Moorenko's Ice Cream Cafe
A well-known local spot for small-batch ice cream with rich classic and seasonal flavors, popular for dessert in downtown Silver Spring.
Parkway Deli & Restaurant
A classic Jewish deli and local institution serving oversized sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and old-school diner favorites in a nostalgic setting.
Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe
A long-running Silver Spring favorite for Burmese cuisine, known for tea leaf salad, noodle dishes, and a warm, casual atmosphere.
United States Dollar
Moderate for the Washington, DC area. Dining and coffee are fairly priced, while upscale restaurants cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-6 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants for table service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip delivery drivers about 15-20%.
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD 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 Silver Spring, MD, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $237 (€195), while the average price is around $237 (€195).
The train from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD takes 23h 49m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD leaves at 3:20 AM.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD is 592 miles (953 km).
The last train from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD leaves at 9:30 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Silver Spring, MD is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD is by bus, with a cost of around $134 (€110).
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Midwest's landscapes, rivers, and small towns, particularly as the route traverses through parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. While it may not be as famously scenic as some routes, it provides a pleasant and varied experience for travelers.
For a fulfilling visit to Silver Spring, MD, 2 to 3 days are typically sufficient to explore its cultural attractions, parks, and dining options.
No, you cannot take the train from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Silver Spring, MD are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Silver Spring, MD include Philadelphia, PA, Wilmington, DE, Fredericksburg, VA, Martinsburg, WV, Newark, DE.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Silver Spring, MD, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and occasional vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and ride-sharing overcharges. Staying alert in busy spots like downtown and transit hubs helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Silver Spring, MD
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Most popular trains to and from Silver Spring, MD and Chicago, IL
Most popular train connections to Silver Spring, MD
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