The cheapest and fastest trains from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$488
Average price
$488
Fastest journey
1 d 22 h
Average duration
1 d 22 h
Trains per day
1
Distance
2823 km
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 $488 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $488.
Of the 1 trains that leave Portland, OR for Chicago, IL on Fri, Nov 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 21 the direct trains cover the 2823 km distance in an average of 1 d 22 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 22 h .
On Fri, Nov 21 the slowest trains will take 1 d 22 h 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.


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, Thursday, November 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
500 Amtrak Cascades · 8 Empire Builder | 2:45 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 56h00 | 10:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
504 Amtrak Cascades · 8 Empire Builder | 6:40 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 52h05 | 10:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 422 Texas Eagle | 10:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 93h22 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK | 10:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 70h20 | 8:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK | 10:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 93h22 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK | 10:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 93h22 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 6 California Zephyr | 10:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 70h17 | 8:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK | 10:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 93h22 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4 transfers | |
| Friday, November 21 | |||||
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis | 12:45 AM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 48h36 | 1:21 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
28 Empire Builder · 8 Empire Builder | 12:45 AM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 46h00 | 10:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
28 Empire Builder | 12:45 AM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 46h00 | 10:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL
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 $146 (€119) but you can travel from only $95 (€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.
Distance 1754 miles (2823 km) |
Average train duration 47h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $146 (€119) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 46h 0m |
First train 06:45 |
Last train 17:09 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Portland, OR and Chicago, IL from $95 (€78). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL
- 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
- 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
More options for your journey from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL
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