Portland, OR to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu, Jan 08
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Jan 08

Cheapest price

$381

Average price

$493

Fastest journey

2 d 22 h 17 m

Average duration

3 d 15 h 40 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

2823 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL will cost around $493 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $381.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.

Amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 6 California Zephyr
02:22PM70h17
Portland Union Station, Portland, OR
02:39PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$3811One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK
02:22PM93h27
Portland Union Station, Portland, OR
01:49PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$5301One-way
4 transfers
Amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK
02:22PM93h27
Portland Union Station, Portland, OR
01:49PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$5301One-way
4 transfers
Amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK
02:22PM93h27
Portland Union Station, Portland, OR
01:49PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$5301One-way
4 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Portland, OR to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 10m. 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 €78, and a train costs an average of €119.

Distance: 1754 miles (2823 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€336

Average price

€215

Average price

Cheapest

€274

Average price

47h 50m

Average total duration

47h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 10m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

72h 20m

Average total duration

71h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.8 - 2.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

8.5 - 16.9kg

CO2 emissions

2.8 - 7.1kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Portland, OR to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Portland, OR to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, January 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:26 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 6 California Zephyr10:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR
70h17
8:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portland, OR to Chicago, IL 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.

Thu
Jan 08
Fri
Jan 09
Sat
Jan 10
Sun
Jan 11
Mon
Jan 12
Tue
Jan 13
Wed
Jan 14

Why should you book Portland to Chicago trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Portland to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portland to Chicago.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Portland to Chicago.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

Trains from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL run on average 8 times per day, taking around 47h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $148 (€119) but you can travel from only $97 (€78) 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 0m.

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
Flight from $97 (€78)
Distance
1754 miles (2823 km)
Average train duration
47h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
$148 (€119)
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
46h 0m
First train
06:45
Last train
17:09
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
Flight from $97 (€78)

Train companies: Amtrak from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Portland, OR and Chicago, IL from $97 (€78). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
46h 0m
Cheapest Price
$328 (€263)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A day trip from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 46h 0m. However, there are 8 train trips available per day. The distance covered is 1754 miles (2823 km).
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
The train journey from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL on the Amtrak Empire Builder is considered scenic, offering views of the Cascade Mountains, Columbia River Gorge, and Glacier National Park.
Train ticket prices from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $148 (€119), while the average price is around $418 (€336).
The distance by train from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL is 1754 miles (2823 km).
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
The cheapest way to get from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL is by flight, with a cost of around $97 (€78).
The first train from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:45 AM.
The last train from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL leaves at 5:09 PM.
The train from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL takes 46h 0m and runs 8 per day.
The train station in Portland, OR that goes to Chicago, IL is Portland Union Station, Portland, OR, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
There is no high speed train available from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL

Portland
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Portland is Portland Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Portland Union Station for your trip from Portland to Chicago.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
3
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access is available via NW 6th Avenue.
Dining
Dining
  • Wilf's Restaurant & Bar
  • Al-Amir Lebanese Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
  • The Benson, a Coast Hotel
  • Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • 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.
Public transit options for Portland Union Station
  • MAX Light Rail: Green Line, Yellow Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Streetcar: NS Line
Portland, International Airport (New PDX Terminal)ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCCar Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
9 km
HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, ILPortland, OR to Chicago, IL train

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