- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Salem, OR to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $107. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $107, and a train costs an average of $154.
Distance: 1775 miles (2857 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$352 Average price | $325 Average price | $288 Average price Cheapest |
53h 2m Average total duration 52h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 77h 35m Average total duration 77h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 48m Average total duration Fastest 7h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Salem, OR to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $36 (€30) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Salem, OR to Chicago, IL costing on average $325 (€266).
A flight is $64 (€52) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salem, OR to Chicago, IL costing on average $352 (€288).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 52h 32m.
Bus takes on average 77h 5m.
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.
Trains from Salem, OR to Chicago, IL run on average 9 times per day, taking around 52h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $154 (€126) but you can travel from only $107 (€88) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:56, the last at 15:39. The fastest train covers the 1775 miles (2857 km) distance in 48h 41m.
Distance 1775 miles (2857 km) |
Average train duration 52h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $154 (€126) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 48h 41m |
First train 8:56 AM |
Last train 3:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salem, 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.

Most Salem, OR to Chicago, IL trains use the Salem Railroad Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Salem, OR and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Salem Railroad Station is 1 km from Salem city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Gamberetti's Italian Restaurant, Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Salem Railroad Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Salem Railroad Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Salem Railroad Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salem Railroad Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salem Railroad Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Grand Hotel in Salem, Phoenix Inn Suites Salem, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Salem.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need